treatment by importing a "oversized pill bottle'' from the US.

The EMSfile system is an oversized pill bottle containing vital medical information, allowing medical personnel quick access to critical information.

Head of King Edward VII Memorial Hospital's Emergency department, Dr. Edward Schultz, called the benefits "immeasurable''.

He said: "We want to reduce time spent in the field and get patients treated as quickly as possible.

"The EMSfile does a very good job of directing our field team to the patient's information needed for immediate treatment,'' he added.

Bermuda Broadcasting Company sales and marketing manager, Honey Adams, said: "Having met with great success in the United States, the EMSfile has been fully endorsed by the hospital, police and fire service.

"The programme will revolutionise the efficiency of the emergency response system. Ultimately, the EMSfile can save lives,'' she said.

The bottles will be free at all Marketplace locations as well as Argus and Medical House, all of whom are partners in the initiative.

There are a few forms, inside the bottle, for the user to fill out said a pamphlet from the company in Beaumont, Texas.

Once the user fills in their personal medical history and other helpful information, they are instructed to place the EMSfile -- in the refrigerator.

Stickers alert emergency medical personnel that patients have the information in case the patient is unresponsive.

"Valuable time is often lost as first responders attempt to secure this information from a distraught spouse or unresponsive victim.

"For many, lost time could mean the difference between life and death,'' said the pamphlet.