Students Assemble 1,000 Medical Info Kits for Local Community

Plains Elementary students spend nearly 2 hours creating "Vial of Life" kits to help first responders access critical medical info during emergencies.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A group of 16 students from Plains Elementary School in Montana spent almost two hours assembling 1,000 "Vial of Life" medical information kits to be distributed throughout the local community. The kits include personal details about medications, allergies, medical conditions, emergency contacts, and healthcare providers to help first responders provide faster and safer care, especially when someone is unable to speak for themselves.

Why it matters

The "Vial of Life" program is a simple but potentially life-saving tool that allows first responders to quickly access critical medical information during an emergency. By having this information readily available, it can improve emergency response and lead to better outcomes, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly. The student-led effort also engages the local community and teaches the importance of civic engagement.

The details

The students broke into small groups and set up assembly lines to create the kits, which include a two-sided information sheet, a clip, and two magnetic decals - one for the door/window and one for the refrigerator. The kits will be distributed to senior centers, libraries, hospitals, clinics, EMS centers, and pharmacies throughout Sanders County, Montana over the next couple of weeks.

  • The students spent almost 2 hours assembling the 1,000 kits.
  • The kits will be distributed to various locations in Sanders County over the next couple of weeks.

The players

Plains Elementary School

An elementary school in Montana where the students assembled the medical information kits.

Meg Feist

A teacher at Plains Elementary School who oversaw the student-led kit assembly project.

Nichole Cockrell

The Health Improvement Specialist at Clark Fork Valley Hospital and the main coordinator of the "Vial of Life" project with the school.

Catherine DeWitt

A member of the Sanders County Board of Health and the Thompson Falls Woman's Club, who paid for the medical kits.

Kjirsten Mercer

The Public Health Director for Sanders County, where the kits will be distributed.

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What they’re saying

“Vial of Life is a simple, life-saving tool that helps first responders quickly access critical medical information during an emergency. It includes personal information about medications, allergies, medical conditions, emergency contacts, and healthcare providers, allowing for faster and safer care when someone cannot speak for themselves.”

— Nichole Cockrell, Health Improvement Specialist, Clark Fork Valley Hospital

“Having the resident's emergency contacts, current conditions, and current medications can save a lot of time and help the EMTs and emergency services.”

— Nichole Cockrell, Health Improvement Specialist, Clark Fork Valley Hospital

“I believe it is important for kids to be active in our community. It builds connections and promotes ownership. I hope it gives them satisfaction when they see the stickers on the door of someone they know.”

— Meg Feist, Teacher, Plains Elementary School

What’s next

The medical information kits will be distributed to various locations throughout Sanders County, Montana over the next couple of weeks.

The takeaway

This student-led project to assemble "Vial of Life" medical information kits demonstrates the value of engaging youth in community service and civic engagement. By creating these potentially life-saving tools, the students are not only helping vulnerable residents, but also learning the importance of being active members of their local community.