California State University, Los Angeles
ICE: A Lifesaving Idea!
If you have a mobile phone or device, enter ICE (standing for “in case of emergency”) and the person you want to be contacted in an emergency situation when you are unable to speak for yourself. For example:
ICE Mom (or Dad, Spouse, Son, or Daughter) + phone number
For more than one contact, enter ICE1, ICE2, ICE3, and so on for each
contact/phone number. This way, police, paramedics, or hospital
staff can quickly and easily contact your next of kin or someone
who can give consent for emergency medical treatment.
Credit for the ICE idea goes to Bob Brotchie, a veteran paramedic and clinical team leader at the East Anglian Ambulance NHS Trust in the United Kingdom. According to a July 30, 2005 news posting on www.graduateengineer.com, Mr. Brotchie says ICE is for the benefit of loved ones as well as the patient. “Research suggests people recover quicker from the psychological effects of their loved one being hurt if they are involved at an earlier stage and they can reach them quickly," he added.
Why not put ICE in your phone now? It may save your life.