A campaign encouraging people to enter a emergency contact number in their mobile phone's memory under the heading "ICE" (in Case of Emergency) is spreading rapidly as a particular consequence of terrorist attacks [Hat Tip: Deborah J. Martell]. But it's a good idea for other reasons, too.
Originally established as a nation wide campaign in the UK, "ICE" allows paramedics or police to be able to quickly contact a designated relative or next of kin in an emergency situation. The idea is the brainchild of East Anglian Ambulance Service Paramedic Bob Brotchie and was launched in May of this year. Bob has been a paramedic for 13 years, and said:
"I was reflecting on some of the calls I've attended at the roadside where I had to look through the mobile phone contacts struggling for information on a shocked or injured person."
Almost everyone carries a mobile phone now, and with 'ICE' we’d know immediately who to contact and what number to ring. The person may even know their medical history."
I'd strongly recommend picking the number of someone who does, myself.
By adopting the ICE advice, your mobile phone will help the rescue services quickly contact a relative or friend – which could be vital in a life or death situation. It only takes a few seconds to do, and could easily help save your life. Simply select a new contact in your phone book, enter "ICE" and enter the number of the person you wish to be contacted in case of an emergency. For more than one contact name, use ICE1; ICE2, ICE3, etc.
If you have teens driving, spouses or parents that travel, loved ones with medical conditions, urge them to program their cell phones with an ICE number. Though it may never be used; it’s a common sense safety thing!
It is a excelente idea, I go tried to launch the fashion in France too.
cordially
I kinda have that ICE thing on my phone now, but I spell it "MOM".
That's a great idea. NEver heard of it, and I'm in the communication business. I'll spread that one around.
From a mother with children who will be starting to drive soon I think that this is a great idea.
The "MOM" concept doesn't work because the police can't say for sure if you want her to be contacted if something goes wrong. You may want the exact opposite if you don't want her to worry unnessasarily. Also your mother may stay two states away whereas you may have a friend who lives up the street that you would prefer to have contacted.
I've read about another company that's taking this concept a step further by offering a sticker that would serve as a standard for police, firemen and paramedics. The sticker goes on the back of your cell phone. This does a couple of things, it solves the privacy issues that police are faced with (they can't go into your phone unless permitted or through sopeana), it also lets them know that your phone is setup or "ICED" as they called it. The site can be found at: http://www.icesticker.com/.
I.C.E. is a great idea but it is not enough…
- What if your cell phone is lost or damaged in an accident?
- What if you do not have a cell phone or have it with you at the time I.C.E. is needed?
- What if your emergency contacts are not available when the First Responders try to call?
- What if the buttons are locked?
First Responders need more than just I.C.E.
The Med Alert Card is more reliable than I.C.E. and provides more vital information.
For more info visit: http://www.livingwillcards.com