The Sullivan Fire Protection District along with the Sullivan Fire Auxiliary has become involved with the Knox-Box Residential Program. This program is for people who live by themselves or who have special mobility issues. It is free to anyone who qualifies. They started this program about a year ago and they have installed 22 Knox-Boxes.
When a medical emergency strikes, help is only a call away. However, for those who live by themselves or who have special mobility issues, what happens when they can’t get to the door to let help in?
When a senior is injured or becomes critically ill, paramedics can respond quickly, without forcing entry, when a Knox-Box key box is installed at or on their front door. With the entrance key stored inside, responders simply open the door, provide medical assistance and relock the door when they leave. Entry damage is avoided.
For those who depend upon an alert service that calls responders such as “Lifeline,” a fast response for emergency aid is a must. A patient unable to let responders into the house experiences additional stress.
When a Knox-Box is installed, this additional stress is avoidable. Forced entry slows down a paramedic’s response and can further traumatize an already incapacitated individual, making a stressful situation even more stressful. Forced entry also increases the responders’ exposure to injury.
The 1650 Residential Knox-Box is ideal for individuals:
• With a history of medical problems.
• Recuperating from a hospital stay.
• Living alone.
• Using an electronic calling/medical alert service.
This residential box program enhances the department’s response times and reduces forced entry damage while protecting property and lives. Remember, this is a free program to those individuals who qualify.
Businesses can also sponsor Residential Knox-Boxes with their business name on it. When you sponsor a box and the individual using it doesn’t need it any longer, then it goes to the next individual on the list. Contact us with any questions you may have. We also have informational brochures available on this program.
If you know of anyone who is in need of one of these, please call 573-468-6161.