“In Case Of Emergency” Contacts

A recent study from the Pew Internet & American Life Project has shown that roughly 3/4 of American mobile phone users have utilized their phones in an emergency situation. With over 200 million mobile phones in the US, this means that in the event of an emergency, a majority of people from teens to adults are equipped with a means to get through to someone that might be able to help—a friend, loved one or emergency responders. Usually, you know who you would call if you needed help. But if you are involved in a situation where you become incapacitated or unconscious, how could emergency responders or hospital workers know how to get in touch with your loved ones to let them know where you are, or even possibly to help identify you. Safety experts have been suggesting a simple tactic that you can use to help emergency responders get in touch with those close to you. Create a new entry in your phone contact list called, “ICE”, for “In Case of Emergency”, and enter the name and phone number for your emergency contact. Additionally, a good idea is to enter more than one contact—ranked as ICE1, ICE2, ICE3, and so on.

Check out the Minnesota Department of Health website, for more information on ICE and for a list of links to additional personal and family emergency preparedness information.