A MESSAGE in a bottle could help people living on their own in an emergency, say paramedics.

The thinking is that sending out an SOS will become easier if all basic personal and medical details are kept in an easy to find place.

South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundaton Trust (SWASFT) has joined forces with the Lions Club to widen the reach of the Message in a Bottle scheme across the South West.

Free bottles will be distributed to members of the public via health centres, doctors’ surgeries, chemists and ambulance crews.

Medical information such as repeat prescriptions and next of kin details can then be kept in the bottles, in the fridge where all community healthcare professionals know to look for them.

Martyn Callow, stakeholder engagement manager for SWASFT, said: “We were approached by Bridgwater Lions Club and have now taken delivery of the first batch of 6,300 bottles which will be distributed to all ambulance stations across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and the greater Bristol area.

“The scheme will improve the delivery of emergency and urgent care and save valuable time when assessing and treating our patients, helping us deliver the right care, in the right place, at the right time. We are extremely grateful to the Lions Club for this partnership opportunity.”