The value of ice

These days there are very few people who are without a mobile phone, and whatever the pros, cons, and potential risks to health, there is no denying they are invaluable in an emergency. But are you making the most of it? It is apparently standard procedure for paramedics at the scene of an accident to look for your mobile phone to get a contact number in the case of an emergency.

Like most of us, you probably have quite a few numbers in there so how do they know who to call first? This is where ICE – ‘In Case of Emergency’ – comes in. It is spreading worldwide, and has the double benefit of helping the emergency services and giving you and your nearest and dearest peace of mind. The idea was thought up by a paramedic who found that when he went to the scenes of accidents, there were always a mobile phone on the patient, but scrolling through the names took time and it wasn’t always clear who to call.

All you need to do is store the number of a contact person or persons who should be contacted during any emergency under the name ‘ICE’ (In Case Of Emergency). You can of course have several, and label them ICE 1, ICE 2 and so on in case the first number isn’t reachable. A very simple idea, but one well worth passing on.