ICE - In Case of Emergency. Recently there have been a number of posts reminding us to be vigilant when dealing with strangers - something inherent in our business. The suggestions in them have been on target and I hope all are informing others of their itineraries. Unfortunately, no matter how much we plan, the unexpected still happens. Whether on the job or just going to the grocery store, the unthinkable can happen. A collision, a heart attack, a diabetic episode or a fall all take only a little time and can leave us unable to speak for ourselves. YES - "it" can happen to any of us! If "it" happened to you, would emergency personnel know who to contact for vital, perhaps life saving, information? How would your loved ones be notified? Even if you have a condition that warrants wearing an identification bracelet or necklace, there may be more needed. The ICE (In Case of Emergency) program has been growing for years and is a simple way to provide you with a voice in the event you don't have one. As an EMT, I can vouch that we do look for it when the patient can't help us. Sometimes even when they can. It brings family and loved ones together for you in your time of need and, by selecting the right person(s), could even save your life. It's as simple as programming a phone number of someone you can depend on into your cell phone - using a name beginning as ICE. It can helps to have a name too, but the important part is to start it with ICE. Thanks for reading. Do you have ICE contacts in your cell phone?
Obviously it is important to protect yourself as much as you can to prevent a problem in the first place. Picking the right person to speak for you in an emergency is easy insurance that your needs and wishes will be accommodated. Please let your contacts know they are on you list - and what you expect of them is they get a call. Should a call be made, it is always unexpected and your contact needs t obe able to maintain their composure - for you.
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