Nice Premium thus went to meet this mother who decided to dedicate her time and life to implementing this “new gesture that saves lives every day… elsewhere.” Winner of the contest organized by the General Council for 06/06/06, Cécile Hoerle, a native of Nice at heart, wanted to set up her structure in Nice and works exclusively with French companies. “The majority of our suppliers are local, except for silicone, which we source from a company in the 05 region because it’s very specific and not available locally.”
The idea behind Vit’alerte is simple: identify a person’s illness or allergies on a bracelet, accessory, or card containing all the necessary information. “The ultimate goal is not to sell bracelets or accessories, but to instill a new habit that is common overseas. I am far more of a mom than a businesswoman.”
To learn more about Vit’alerte: https://www.vitalerte.fr/
Interview with Cécile Hoerle
Can you tell us about the Vit’Alerte concept?
The Vit’alerte concept is to offer simple tools to communicate crucial information in emergency situations. In France, we have 2.5 million people with diabetes, 600,000 with Alzheimer’s disease, 450,000 with hemophilia, and 1 million with food or drug allergies. All these people could face medical emergencies without being able to ensure that first responders have the vital information concerning them.
How was this idea born, and how did this 100% Nice-based project start?
Vit’alerte is initially my story as a mother, with a little girl suffering from a rare disease. While she was very young and under the care of a single person, I extensively explained her pathology, the risks, and the protocol to implement during a crisis.
Complications began when she entered primary school, with field trips, and sleepovers at friends’ houses. How could I ensure that there was always someone sufficiently informed to act appropriately around her? I searched for a long time in vain…
Thus, during the major call for projects launched by the General Council on 06/06/06, “You have an original project, the General Council makes it happen,” we presented the concept and were selected from over 1,350 projects in the “Health, Solidarity” category. After three years of reflection and meetings between emergency responders, doctors, and pathology advocates from Nice, the Vit’alerte range was born to meet the specific needs of the largest number of people.
Medical bracelets are common in the USA and Canada. Why aren’t they used in France and Europe?
Indeed, this concept has existed abroad for decades, and you only have to read the Canadian press to realize it saves lives every day overseas. In Canada, emergency responders have this reflex to check a person’s wrist for a medical bracelet. It is part of their training. Unfortunately, no equivalent approach has yet been undertaken in France. However, for many of our fellow citizens, it is important to have access to this service. Both to communicate in emergencies and to live with a pathology without being deprived of a normal life. You know, it is very difficult for a mother to let her daughter have a normal teenage life while constantly worrying: “What if something happens to her? Will they know she has injections in her bag that need to be administered immediately?” Especially when you know it’s vital for her!
Who can use these types of accessories?
You are right to use the word “accessory,” because indeed, we did not want to limit ourselves to just one type of information medium to meet the needs and desires of everyone. A Vit’alerte can be a USB key or an emergency card inserted into a cardholder. I invite you to discover all our Vit’alerte products on our website www.vitalerte.fr. While they are certainly intended for people with pathologies, more generally, they are meant for everyone! Indeed, in order to communicate a blood type, or simply the mobile phone number of the parents of a young child who might get lost in a shopping mall… This situation frequently occurs in everyday life and generates unnecessary stress and anxiety.
What actions are you implementing to promote your project?
We are establishing numerous partnerships to heighten public awareness. For example, this week we signed a partnership with Besportif, a platform that brings together more than 10,000 sports professionals. Indeed, during the practice of a physical activity, the trainers are generally the first responders in emergencies. We are also in contact with health insurance companies involved in prevention and solidarity. Of course, we are also in touch with the municipality to define together the joint actions we will undertake in the coming weeks.
Are there any events not to be missed for those who wish to learn more about Vit’alerte?
Already, visiting our website is a good way to familiarize oneself with our concept. We will also be present at the Bel Age fair which takes place on November 21 and 22 at the Acropolis. Since the commercialization is done via the Internet, this fair will allow us to meet our customers, and we are thrilled!
Finally, what do you expect from your project in the coming months?
I hope the communication relay will take place because learning to recognize the Vit’alerte logo to help someone in need is not only useful but also an act of citizenship.
[Link to video] OVVR from 20/10/2009 by niceazurtv
