Monday, March 31, 2014

Next of Kin Program

Will first responders know who to contact if you had an emergency? Several hours may pass before loved ones are contacted if you have been injured and are unable to speak. Without contact information, it takes, on average, six hours before law enforcement can locate next of kin.

Next of Kin was initiated by two women who lost their sons in car accidents. Because emergency workers did not have their contact information, they were not notified until many hours after the accidents. Not wanting this to happen to others, they urged the passage of legislation that would give first responders access to contact information. A bill was passed in 2008 allowing anyone with a driver's license, learner's permit, or state-issued ID to submit two emergency contacts through the Ohio BMV (Bureau of Motor Vehicles).

If you have not done so already, I urge you to take advantage of what Next of Kin offers and provide your contact information today.

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