A Wimmera service club is supporting Ambulance Victoria and Grampians Health’s HARP team to keep vital health information within arm’s reach of people with chronic disease or complex needs.

The HARP – Hospital Admission Risk Program – team has always provided Emergency Medical Information Books for their patients so if an ambulance is called to their home, the officers can immediately check their latest health information. That information can include medication details, medical conditions, patient medical history and closest contacts and service providers.

When funding for the books ceased, the HARP team approached Lions Club of North West Grampians who came to the rescue and agreed to pay printing costs to keep the program alive.

HARP manager Amber Louison-Suwal said she her team was extremely grateful to the North West Grampians Lions.

“These books are very important because they make the job of the ambulance officer so much easier, especially if the patient is unable to communicate when they arrive,” she said.

“We are very happy that this service can continue now and we have the Lions Club to thank for that.”

Pictured: Lions Club of North West Grampians member Mary-Anne Horgan
with HARP team members Tamara Budde, Heather McDonald
and Cathy Ryan, show copies of the book.