PARAMEDICS, doctors, firefighters and policemen could soon be looking in your fridge to try to save your life -- and they aren't planning to put you on a diet!

Instead, they hope that by taking a quick peek inside your chiller chest they will be able to learn all they need to know about you -- possibly saving you from an early grave.

Under a new scheme to be launched by Lancashire's Neighbourhood Watch coordinators this week, vulnerable members of the community could soon find their fridge their best friend.

The scheme, called Datalink, involves people writing down their important details on a recognised form, placing it inside a carton and stashing it among the milk bottles, lettuces and yoghurt-pots, and carrying a card which lets people know just where they can get details on the card-holder.

Cherry Tree Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator George Gelleburn, of The Crescent, Blackburn, explained the scheme.

He said: "Details such as medication, allergies, disabilities and responsibilities, such as whether they have to pick the children up from school, are placed on the form so that should something happen to them, the relevant authorities can get all the information they need straight away.

"For example, if a pensioner hasn't been seen for a couple of days, the police could break in and immediately know by looking at the form if the pensioner cannot take certain medication if paramedics come to treat them.

"It will also carry details such as next of kin so that, should they be taken ill, the police can inform the relatives quickly."

The scheme is set to be unveiled at the annual meeting of Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators on Saturday at Ribby Hall in Wrea Green, near Lytham St Annes.

It has been piloted in Sussex over the last 12 months with Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators here in Lancashire being given the go-ahead to launch the scheme from Monday.

George, treasurer for the Blackburn Neighbourhood Watch Association, added: "People have identification on them so the police or whoever know where to find the information on them.

"A sticker will also go on their door. It could quite possibly save lives and will certainly, I think, help vulnerable people know there are others looking out for them.

"It also means that, if they are taken ill, they don't have to worry about collecting the children or whatever. We know what needs doing."

John Taylor, a spokesman for Lancashire Fire and Rescue, said: "The potential for it to save lives is obvious.

"We are very keen to get it promoted and are working with other partners to make sure it is a success."

A spokesman for Lancashire Ambulance added: "The more information we have quickly can help us a lot in determining what course of action to take with a patient." PICTURE: George Gelleburn with the Datalink fridge form for people's medical details