Message In A Bottle

“Message in a Bottle” project was first introduced to the Cobh Community by Cobh Lions Club many years ago and is supported by the following emergency services:

  • Ambulance / First Responders
  • Fire Brigade
  •  Gardai
  • Medical Profession
  • HSE
  • Pharmacists and Local County Councils

We are in the process of rolling out the second wave of “Message in a Bottle” to our community in the near future and will update in our NEWS section.

Message in a Bottle is a simple idea that encourages people to keep their basic personal and medical details in a common place, where, Emergency Teams, in cases of emergency, can easily access them. The information required is very basic but necessary and can save vital time from being wasted. The Personal Information Form (PIF) is self- explanatory; however you may like to ask a relative, friend, neighbour or carer to assist in completing the form.

How does it work?

You are given a bottle (a Plastic Container) complete with a PIF and three self-adhesive green crosses. The green crosses sticker should be stuck on the inside of your front and back door and one on the outside of your fridge where you store the bottle and information. In the event of an emergency, accident or incident within the home, the first responder/emergency services on the scene will be alerted to the bottle by the green crosses sticker on the door. The bottle can then quickly and easily be located by the attending service.

Who will benefit from Message in a bottle?

Older people, people not in good health, people living alone, people having life threatening conditions/allergies, people with disabilities, Paramedics, Gardai, Fire-fighters, Hospital Accident and Emergency, Social Services.

What you must do:

  • Complete all sections of the personal information form
  • Put the completed form into the bottle 
  • Attach one self-adhesive green cross onto the outside on the refrigerator door
  • Attach one green cross inside your front door. 
  • Attach one green cross inside your back door

All green crosses should be clearly visible to the emergency services entering your home. 


Note: A few minutes delay in emergency services finding your home could make the difference between life and death.  Give the emergency services a fighting chance to help you.
Ensure that your house number or name can be clearly seen from the road.
Ensure your EirCode is given when calling Emergency Services. Pin your EirCode next to your PHONE.

Our 2023 Community roll out of Message in a bottle was hugely assisted by the following groups and Cobh Lions Club are extremely grateful for all your help and for the difference you’ve made in our community;

COLÁISTE MHUIRE, TY STUDENTS, COBH.

1ST YEAR and LCA STUDENTS, SCOIL BERNADETTE, MONTENOTTE, CORK.

COBH YMCA, TICKNOCK, COBH