A campaign encouraging people to enter an emergency contact number in their mobile phone's memory under the heading "ICE" (i.e. In Case of Emergency), has rapidly spread throughout the world as a particular consequence of last week's terrorist attacks in London. Originally established as a nation-wide campaign in the UK, ICE allows paramedics or police to be able to contact a designated relative / next-of-kin in an emergency situation.

The idea is the brainchild of East Anglian Ambulance Service paramedic Bob Brotchie and was launched in May this year. Bob, 41, who has been a paramedic for 13 years, said: "I was reflecting on some of the calls I've attended at the roadside where I had to look through the mobile phone contacts struggling for information on a shocked or injured person. Almost

everyone carries a mobile phone now, and with ICE we'd know immediately who to contact and what number to ring. The person may even know of their medical history."

By adopting the ICE advice, your mobile will help the rescue services quickly contact a friend or relative - which could be vital in a life or death situation. It only takes a few seconds to do, and it could easily help save your life. Why not put ICE in your phone now? Simply select a new contact in your phone book, enter the word 'ICE' and the number of the person you wish to be contacted. For more than one contact name ICE1, ICE2, ICE3 etc."

It's so simple that everyone can do it. Please do.

How Does It Work?
Simply use your mobile’s phone book to store the name and number of someone who should be contacted if you have an emergency – but add the letters ICE in front of their name.

ICE stands for ‘In Case of Emergency’: it’s what the emergency services will look for if you’re involved in an accident and have your mobile phone with you. This straightforward idea was developed by the East Anglian Ambulance Trust and is supported by Vodafone.

Getting Started
On most mobile phones you simply need to select ‘Contacts’ and choose ‘Add New Contact’, then enter the letters ‘ICE’ next to the name, followed by the telephone number of your next of kin. Make sure you choose a number that’s easy to get in touch with – a home number could be useless in an emergency if the person works full time. We recommend that you enter daytime and evening numbers where this is possible.

What Should I Do Next?
Make sure the person whose name and number you are giving has agreed to be your ‘ICE partner’. You should also make sure your ICE partner has a list of people to contact on your behalf, such as your place of work. In addition, they’ll need to know about any medical conditions that could affect your emergency treatment, including allergies or medication.

If you’re under 18, your ICE partner should be your mother, your father or an immediate member of your family authorised to make decisions on your behalf. Friends and other relatives won’t be able to make decisions for you if you’re admitted to hospital.

Storing an ICE number makes it easier for everyone if you’re involved in an accident. It only takes a few seconds, so do it today - please.

Please also pass this information on to as many friends, relatives and colleagues as possible....thank you.

Links

www.icecontact.com/

www.eastanglianambulance.com/content/ice/default.asp

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