GainesvilleMoms.com

We all carry our mobile phones with names & numbers

stored in its memory but nobody, other than ourselves, knows

which of these numbers belong to our closest family or friends.

If we were to be involved in an accident or were taken ill, the

people attending us would have our mobile phone but wouldn't

know who to call. Yes, there are hundreds of numbers stored

but which one is the contact person in case of an emergency?

Hence this 'ICE' (In Case of Emergency) Campaign

The concept of 'ICE' is catching on quickly. It is a method of

contact during emergency situations. As cell phones are

carried by the majority of the population, all you need to

do is store the number of a contact person or persons who

should be contacted during emergency under the name 'ICE'

( In Case Of Emergency).

The idea was thought up by a paramedic who found that when

he went to the scenes of accidents, there were always mobile

phones with patients, but they didn't know which number to call.

He therefore thought that it would be a good idea if there was

a nationally recognized name for this purpose. In an emergency

situation, Emergency Service personnel and hospital Staff

would be able to quickly contact the right person by simply

dialing the number you have stored as 'ICE.'

For more than one contact name simply enter ICE1, ICE2

and ICE3 etc. A great idea that will make a difference!

Let's spread the concept of ICE by storing an ICE

number in our Mobile phones today!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Suzy Richardson,

I've heard of this campaign, and I have "ICE" stored with my husband's name. I'd be interested to hear if EMTs and paramedics really use this though. Are there any on the boards that can speak to how useful this is for them?

Sounds like something has potential to really help in an emergency situation.

I HAVE NO IDEA, BUT I'M LOOKING INTO IT. I THINK IS GREAT IDEA. AS SOON AS I GET WORD I'LL LET YOU KNOW.
JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT THIS SITE:http://www.snopes.com/crime/prevent/icephone.asp

This message has been edited. Last edited by: sweetpea81,

There is an EMT on the board. We'll have to find out from her...

My husband as well as Jaime(emtgatorgirl) are both paramedic/firefighters. i have never heard my husband mention this,but if he has a call bad enough to have to use ICE, a lot of times he doesn't tell me about it. He tries not to bring work home. I will ask him though. Jaime, what do you think?

Just spoke to my husband....
He said that he has used it, but a lot of times they might just hit "send" to redial the last number called. crunched for time you know. much easier than trying to navigate through different kinds of phones to find "contact menu"

THAT'S AWSOME TO KNOW. I'M DEFINITELY ADDING IT TO MY CELL.

So here is the deal with ICE. It is a GREAT idea! I cant tell you how many people we respond to that don't have any ID on them. (Or even more scary, underage college students with fake IDs so if something happens the wrong families are gettinr notified!)

It is rare for me to personally use ICE, because if a patient is unable to tell me their name they are usually fairly bad off and I am focused on the emergency treatment. But there are cops and firefighters on scene who may use it. Most importantly, when the patient gets to the ED, the staff there can use it to notify family.

I have ICE in my phone, as does my husband, and I encourage everyone to do this as it does help a lot when it comes to notifying family in case of an emergency.

Dare I mention the 15 year old I transported that was completely passedout (highly intoxicate) who only had pot and condoms in her purse, and a dead cell phone after she had passed out at an apartment complex pool at 4 am. The ED had to call GHFC (she had a tag on her keychain) and persuade them to release her info so they could reach her family. Scary thought.

The other thing I would HIGHLY recommend (since we are on the subject!) is having a list or index cards of all medication you and your family members take. I cant tell you how many people who are on a "lot" of medication and can't remember their names , or what they might be allergic to.

Okay... if you have any more questions, PLEASE feel free to ask!