ICE Numbers

No, this isn’t a column about immigration. The ICE in the title is abbreviation for “In Case of Emergency.” Here is something we should all do immediately after reading this column. That is, if you haven’t already done it.

Nowadays we all carry cell phones so that we’re in constant communication with the world. Even I broke down and got a cell phone last year, and that is a real first for me.

I know we all think we’re invulnerable and will live forever, but accidents do happen and so do medical emergencies. If you are ever incapacitated, unconscious or worse, you’ll want your close family informed ASAP. You might not be able to call, but one of the things EMTs check for is identification and emergency numbers to call.

Here is a tip that could make that call available immediately. You probably already have your cell phone set to speed dial your spouse or other ‘most important partner’ in the number 2 position (the first number you can set for speed dial on my phone). That’s good, but here is how you want to edit it: Instead of just the name (ie – Carol Smith) make it ICE-Carol Smith.

ICE is understood by emergency responders, and they will be able to make that dreaded call a lot faster once they know who your emergency contact ICE is. It could make a lot of difference in how fast that loved one can get to your side.

You don’t have to do anything to your speed dial number, just to the contact name in your list of contacts, but you do want to have your ICE as the first speed dial number on your cell phone. If that person is in any other position, make sure you change it so that the first number is your ICE.

One other thing you might consider is a backup ICE in case you and your ICE are both involved in an accident and incapacitated. Make the alternate your ICE2. Put that person in the second speed dial position on your cell phone.

Do it now!