A statewide initiative is underway to
encourage Illinois residents to save "In Case of Emergency" entries in their
personal cell phones under acronym "ICE". By entering "ICE" into your mobile
phone book, users can log the name and number of someone who should be
contacted in an emergency. It would be especially helpful if the ICE contact
knows the medical history or other pertinent information. The information
could be easily accessed by emergency personnel at an accident scene or in
the hospital emergency room to contact a family member or friend, who could
provide potentially life-saving medical details about the incapacitated
victim. All first responders (emergency personnel, police, firefighters,
emergency medical technicians-EMTs, hospital personnel and other emergency
workers) are encouraged to look for ICE numbers when helping individuals who
are unconscious or otherwise unable to provide personal information.
Research suggests people recover quicker form the psychological effects of
their loved one being hurt if they are involved at an earlier stage and they
can reach them quickly.
Macon
County EMA Press Release (47kb)
