100 Mile House RCMP are encouraging people who live alone with significant health issues to make sure they have a plan in place to ensure their safety in case of emergency.
The request follows an incident on Christmas day Dec. 25, 2013 in which a 79 year old man was found in medical distress by a friend who went to check on him after not hearing from him for several days.
The friend immediately called 911. 100 Mile House Fire/Rescue and B.C. Ambulance Service responded.
The man was rushed to hospital, bruised, cut, hypothermic and barely conscious.
It was later estimated by the attending physician that the man had likely been laying on the floor in distress in excess of 30 hours.
The police investigation revealed that the injured man was diabetic and suffered significant medical complications.
Scene evidence indicated the man had trouble keeping his balance and had bumped into things.
The man was able to communicate with police at the hospital indicating that he had taken a bad fall where he could not get up.
The man is being treated at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops.
"As a reminder for those who have significant/serious health related issues it is prudent to ensure that you have a plan in place to ensure your safety," said Cpl. C.D.H. Lange acting 100 Mile House detachment commander.
"There are emergency services available where you can obtain a panic button for immediate medical dispatch. Please see your doctor for a referral. It is also a good idea to have relative or friends to conduct periodic well being checks either by telephone or in person."