Muintir na Tíre has launched a new safety programme – the Personal Information Pack.
The Personal Information Pack (PIP) builds on the long-standing success of the Bottle in the Fridge, another Community Alert programme. PIP enables Ambulance and Fire services, An Garda Síochána, or other first responders to immediately access vital information in the event of a vehicle accident. It provides medical, emergency contact, and other information to allow immediate, safe, and effective action.
A key part of the programme is the display of the identifying sticker in standard places so that the emergency services are aware immediately that the information is available.
Launching the PIP, Minister of State for Transport Hildegarde Naughton said “The primary aim of the government’s road safety strategy is to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on Irish roads by 50% over the next 10 years. I welcome the introduction of the PIP, which should improve outcomes for anybody unfortunate enough to be involved in a road traffic accident. It is particularly encouraging that this is a community led initiative, demonstrating the growing importance of road safety to communities across the country. I wish Muintir, and its many community groups, every success in rolling it out.”
Muintir na Tíre National President, Paddy Fitzpatrick said “It is almost 40 years since Muintir launched the Community Alert programme. Initially required as a crime prevention measure for rural communities, it has evolved into a broader community safety programme. The PIP is a logical extension of our very successful Bottle in the Fridge programme, which has greatly increased the safety of people in their own homes, particularly those who are vulnerable or live alone. We look forward to extending this safety net outside the home.”
CEO, Niall Garvey added, “Bottle in the Fridge has been so successful because of the partnership with first responders, who immediately recognise the availability of emergency medical and contact information. We look forward to working with our partners in using the same principles in road vehicles.”
“We will be encouraging our own many groups initially to roll this out in their communities and protect themselves and their families and neighbours. It will also be available to the general public. Ideally it would never be used, but it will. If it saves one life or improves the outcome for one injured person, the project will be worthwhile”
Further information on the PIP is available here.
