Transcare launches information program
Transcare paramedic Natasha Shackelford helps Russellville resident Jo Davidson fill out information for her TIME Saves Lives packet.
Transcare Ambulance Service hasn’t been in the area for very long, but the company is taking steps to ensure they are part of the community for many years to come.
Transcare is now offering a medical information program for residents in Franklin County.
According to Natasha Shackelford, a paramedic and public relations representative for Transcare, the “TIME Saves Lives” program, which stands for Transcare Information for Medical Emergency, is the company’s way of trying to provide the best service possible in the area.
Shackelford said the program was similar to the Yellow Dot program that is offered through the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs and the Law Enforcement Traffic Safety Division.
“People who participate in the Yellow Dot program fill out important medical information and keep a copy of it in their vehicles in case they are involved in an accident and paramedics need access to certain health information,” Shackelford explained. “With our TIME Saves Lives program, we have residents fill out medical information to keep in their homes instead of their cars.
“We have each person keep the information on their refrigerator so we will know exactly where it is if we have to respond to an emergency situation in their home.”
The information participants fill out includes emergency contacts, medical conditions, a list of allergies, a list of medications the person is currently taking and preferred hospitals and doctors to use.
Shackelford said some people think the program was developed so the paramedics can know whether a patient has insurance or not, and while it is good to have access to pertinent insurance information, she said that isn’t the primary concern for Transcare employees.
“We accept all insurance and we won’t ever deny service to a patient in need, so we’re not just checking to see if a patient has insurance,” Shackelford said.
“People don’t realize that every second counts in a medical emergency, which is why we came up with the name ‘TIME Saves Lives.’
“By having access to this important information right away, we know what medicines a patient can or can’t have, what allergies they have, and we can start treating a patient more effectively in a quicker time frame.
“In the end, it’s all about providing the best level of care for our patients.”
Transcare first came to the area in January 2011 following NorthStar EMS’ sudden departure in Red Bay. When NorthStar EMS announced in November 2011 that they would also be shutting down their operation in Russellville, Transcare took over services there as well.
“The people who work at Transcare are the same people the members of the community have known for several years now,” Shackelford said. “We have an experienced and dedicated staff and we truly care about the safety and well-being of the people in our coverage area.
“This program is just our way of offering a potentially life-saving service to those people.”
Shackelford said this program is especially helpful for elderly residents or resident who live alone, but it is something all residents should take advantage of.
“If you live alone and there isn’t anyone else to tell us about your medical condition or if some of our elderly patients can’t remember all the medications they may be taking, this packet of information comes in very handy,” she said. “But even for other residents, you never know when you might be home alone and need medical attention. It’s a good idea for everyone to sign up.”
For more information on how to sign up for the TIME Saves Lives program, call Transcare at 256-331-9790 or stop by their office at 1018 Ronnie McDowell Ave. behind Greenwood Inn in Russellville.
