Lifeline incident

Elizabeth Haws, an active 90-year-old, can thank Lifeline for, if not saving her life, preventing her from some frightening moments and more serious injuries.

One Sunday evening Haws was taking out her trash to be collected early the next morning. She had the trash bag in one hand and was trying to prevent her screen door from slamming with the other.

She was not able to hold on to the rail beside the stoop outside. She missed the step down and fell flat on the concrete, hitting her head and back. She cried out, but no one was around to hear her. She was almost hidden from the street by her garage.

Fortunately, Haw's daughter had suggested she get the Lifeline service. She had the Lifeline necklace on and was able to push the button. A neighbor was listed as her first response person. Lifeline called the neighbor and the neighbor immediately helped her into the house and called 911. The ground was wet and thankfully she didn't have to lie there for long. The ambulance soon came and took her to Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center.

For some reason they were unable to care for her, and she was taken in that same ambulance to Reno to Washoe Medical Center. Haws was treated in the hospital and at the rehab center and now she is safely home. She has a broken vertebrae in her neck and has to wear a brace for a while, but she is using a walker and getting better every day.

"I urge every senior who lives alone to get the Lifeline service," Haws said. "It is available through RSVP."

When the Lifeline button is pressed, within seconds a Lifeline representative will respond and either call your first response person or dispatch an emergency vehicle.

Lifeline necklaces may be ordered by calling RSVP at 687-4680. When you sign up you will be asked to give pertinent information plus where your key is hidden, any medical situation you have and your choice of a first responder to be called.

The price is based on a sliding scale starting at $30 a month plus a one-time installation fee of $30.

For information, call 687-4680.