Give First Responders What They Need Quickly – Information

ICE – In Case Of Emergency

Many of us may be looking for ways to make life a little easier — for our families, for our boss and co-workers, our children, our friends, our neighbors, the doctors and nurses that are trying to save our lives.

Yes, that’s right.

The ones trying to keep you alive.

Well, in the spirit of making life easier, here is something you can do right now to help them help you should an emergency arise.

First responders look for your medical information on your phone, in your wallet, on a bracelet or elsewhere.

They also look for these letters: ICE (In Case of Emergency), which is an acronym that gives medical personnel facts they need and need quickly to give you the best care possible.

The information provided enables first responders and emergency room personnel to obtain important information like this in case you are unable to give it – i.e. you are unconscious at the moment:

• Drug allergies
• Medications you take and dosage
• Medical conditions
• Blood type
• Doctors’ names and numbers
• Past surgeries
• Name, age, gender
• Who you want to be contacted with the news

All of that is vital information when medical personnel is quickly assessing your situation.  You may have a drug allergy that could affect decisions about medications to administer.  Or, you may have a metal pin in your shoulder that could change a diagnosis testing plan, etc.

WAYS TO LIST CRITICAL MEDICAL INFORMATION FOR EASY ACCESS

1.  CELL PHONES

Hospital personnel will certainly look on your phone for critical medical information if you have a cell phone with you.

First Responders will look first for an app with your medical information or for the word, “ICE,” listed anywhere on your phone.

In that case, do this now if you have not already:

Add the letters  ICE – in your address book next to the name of the contact or contacts that you would like called in an emergency.

Make sure your special contacts know your vital medical information to provide.

If you use a passcode on your phone for security reasons, it pretty much negates any reason to list ICE contacts because it is highly implausible that a first responder would know your code.

Some phones provide access to a list of ICE contacts directly from the “locked” screen.  Check your phone model and apps for such features.

2. WALLET CARDS

A card stored in your wallet in a visible area is a good idea as a backup or if you do not carry a cell phone.  Here are some suggestions:

• List all the pertinent medical information on the ICE card and insert a photo as well.
• Place it in your wallet where it is easy to find.
• Consider printing it on bright colored paper to help it stand out in your wallet.

3.  MEDICAL ID BRACELETS AND NECKLACES

Medical ID bracelets and necklaces are an immediate alert to medical doctors and nurses that you have important information for them. They are also helpful if you fall unconscious and whoever finds you can obtain important information as well.  Consider wearing one of these when hiking the Appalachian Trail by yourself and you have a serious allergy to bees. There are many companies that make necklaces and bracelets containing medical information.

There are also numerous other products available and more being created all the time that provide access to your medical information. Such products may be easier for emergency personnel to identify.

OTHER IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS

• Some other considerations are listed below that may help you and your family get the best care possible in a medical emergency.
• For children with special health care needs, The American Academy of Pediatrics has specially designed forms available.  These are great to leave with babysitters and other caregivers for your child.
• Include important medical information and place it on your refrigerator door in plain view. In case of a 911 emergency where you have to be rescued and are unconscious, first responders will have all important data easily accessible. Some emergency units have been asked to check on the refrigerator door for information such as this.
• Alzheimer’s patients or seniors with dementia are also candidates for an ID on them at all times that includes a means of contact for a caregiver.
• There are also a number of monitoring services available that will maintain your information for you and provide in-home alert devices that will dispatch emergency services if the need arises.
• What about you?  What ways have you listed your medical information?  Have you used any of these products and if so, what has been your experience with them?

Polk County Sheriff’s Office In Florida offers a way to register your home and any emergency contact information here:

 Polk County Florida Sheriff’s Office False Alarm Prevention and Administration 

Emergency response resources:

• U.S. Department of Homeland Security: www.dhs.gov
• Responder Knowledge Base: www.rkb.us
• Office of Law Enforcement Technology Commercialization: www.oletc.o

Related Information:

Quick Access To Loved Ones And Their Vital Information Saves Money And Saves Lives

For More Information Contact: IceBox@masscentral.com