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Camposol’s volunteer first responder group FAST is once again handing out free Red Folders this Friday July 4 at the Alley Palais bar on Sector B, from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

 

The extra drive to hand out more of these folders after FAST members already handed out all of their red folders earlier this week, more than a hundred of them. They have now acquired more with the help of Mazarrón Town Hall.

 

In addition to handing out new folders, they will also have sponsorship forms to raise money for volunteer 80-year-old supporter Carol, who will be skydiving on Saturday in aid of FAST, so please go along lend your support!

 

The Red Folder Project is a potentially life-saving initiative designed to ensure that essential personal and medical information is immediately available to first responders and emergency services if you’re unable to communicate during a medical emergency.

 

Each folder contains a short questionnaire developed with local authorities, including Protección Civil and Mazarrón Town Hall, and is intended to be completed and stored in an accessible place in the home.

 

A sticker placed on the inside of the front door or fridge helps responders locate the folder quickly. Every household member should have their own folder, while just one sticker per household is required.

 

FAST are encouraging people to complete the form clearly and concisely, keeping the details up to date and including items such as current prescriptions, hospital discharge papers, a printed medical history and, where applicable, a notarised Do Not Resuscitate order.

 

FAST also state that original ID documents, bank cards or money should not be placed in the folder. Additional support, including form translation and fresh copies of the questionnaire, is available upon request. For those living alone, FAST can also provide contact details for a free daily check-in service run via WhatsApp.

 

In addition, President of FAST, Suzanne Reid, further explained the importance of a simple assessment known as the Barthel Index, which the Town Hall is encouraging residents aged over 70 to complete with their GP: “The Barthel Index helps determine what level of help someone might need now or in the future, based on their ability to perform everyday tasks,” she said. “It’s much easier to gradually access support as needs change, rather than wait until a crisis arises.”

 

Residents are advised to request the assessment during a regular doctor’s visit to avoid overwhelming the health centre with sudden demand.

 

For more details about the Red Folder Project or the Barthel Index, residents are encouraged to visit the FAST Fun Team – Camposol Facebook page, where all information is pinned to the top of the page.