This is such a good idea that I thought it was worth sharing.
I was watching the news today and they talked about this idea of putting
important information on your cell phone. It's called ICE - In Case of
Emergency. Someone in England started it.
The idea is that if you are found unconscious or otherwise disabled that you
can't talk, emergency personnel will be able to contact who you want them to
contact by simply looking at your cell phone.
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From:
http://www.komotv.com/stories/37952.htm
Put I.C.E. On Your Cell Phone
SEATTLE - A unique campaign is gaining a lot of momentum in England in the
wake of last week's deadly bombings. The effort involves how your cell phone
could actually help save your life.
Since the tragedy a week ago today, cell phone users in England are being
urged to program in a new number, and label that number with the letters
I-C-E. That stands for "In case of emergency."
If you become unconscious, rescuers could scroll through your phone, and
know exactly who to call, gleaning information that could potentially save
your life.
I asked Jim Bowman at King County's 911 Center if he's ever heard of "ICE?"
"No, I haven't," Bowman responded.
But he really likes the idea.
"I'll bring it up with my boss today," Bowman said. "It sounds like
something she'll probably want to promote."
And well before any official campaign begins here. "In fact, I'll probably
do my phone when we're through talking," Bowman told KOMO News.
"If there is a number in their phone, an 'ICE' number, we can use that as a
tool," says Seattle Fire Captain Preston Bang, who says it could help in a
variety of situations. "Something as simple as a car accident, or maybe as
complex as a subway bombing."
It may take a while to catch on, and any campaign here will take time to
develop, but you can help start the life saving conversation by programming
your ICE number right now.
**NOTE As of 3:30pm Thursday, I've received numerous email responses to the
article, each with a suggestion on how to make your "ICE" number a little
more visible to a rescuer or police officer. One of the best suggestions is
putting a dot or "." before the letters "I-C-E." By doing this, your "ICE"
number will be at the very top of your phone book, thus very easy to spot.
Another thing: Many cell phones won't let you put in the same number twice,
so try what I tried. If your "ICE" is the same number as someone else on
your list, just put a "1" in front of the area code and phone number...much
like you would if you were dialing from a "land line." Your cell doesn't
care whether you use a "1" or not most of the time.
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Here is a link to where the idea originated in England and gives a little
more background on ICE:
http://www.eastanglianambulance.com/...wsID=646104183
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I created three entries on my cell phone
..ICE 1 Wife
..ICE 2 Daughter
..ICE 3 Son
That way if emergency people can't contact one, they can try another.
Afterall, you can't gaurantee that any one person is available at any one
time.
Take Care
Lane