How to Add ICE to Your Cell Phone
Adding ICE ("In Case of Emergency") to your phone is a clever means by which emergency personnel can locate your next of kin when something goes wrong. This simple idea was developed by a British paramedic, Bob Brotchie, who recognized the need for speed when emergency personnel are trying to locate next of kin during disaster situations.[1] Here is the simple way to keep your loved ones informed.
[edit] Steps
- Open your cell phone's address book.
- Program ICE - "In Case of Emergency" - with the name of your emergency contact into your speed dial. For example:
- ICE - Bob
- ICE - Mom
- ICE - Mrs Crabby
- Let other family members and friends know. Alert family members that you have done this and encourage them to do so as well. This will help speed up responses from emergency personnel when they have to decide who to call in case of your injury.
[edit] Tips
- Put a dash - in front of the letters ICE so it will appear at the top of your phone list. Put the name of the person after the letters ICE.
- Why do emergency personnel need to contact next of kin? The principal reason can be to seek permission to treat you when injured. A delay in this can result in a much worsened condition. ICE aims to speed this up to ensure rapid responses. Furthermore, emergency personnel can ask questions about allergies, general health, previous accident experiences etc., all information that might help save your limb or life.[2]
- As this is on your cell phone/mobile phone, try your best to always keep your phone on your person, and in an accessible area in your pocket or bag, so that the paramedics can reach it with ease.But don't make it too accessible because it could be stolen or it could fall out and get broken or just unreachable when things go wrong.
- Also keep your phone well topped up with call credit and battery power, so that if the emergency services don't have a phone to use, they can use yours. And they can't look in your phonebook if the screen is blank from no battery.
[edit] Things You'll Need
- Cell phone (mobile phone)
- Address database
- Emergency contact who knows you well and can speak for you
[edit] Sources and Citations
- ↑ Sam Coates, Washington Post, ICE Cell Phone Plan Would Help Rescuers
- ↑ About.com, Prepare for ICE: In Case of Emergency










