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Have a Happy, and SAFE New Year!

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There are many ways to help keep you and your loved ones safer. One simple way to help improve safety is to use the “ICE”, or the In Case of Emergency contact system, where cell phone users store emergency contact information in the phone directory of their cell phones. List the entry as “ICE” and enter the number of the person you would want contacted in case of an emergency. This information can easily be found in your cell phone by emergency personnel or by hospital personnel.

Granted, this implies several things: that you have a cell phone, that the phone was with you at the time and that the cell phone was not damaged, that the information you provided was current, and that the medical personnel were capable of retrieving it. But every little bit of help counts if you or your loved one are in need. This contact person may even be able to help the medical staff with your medical history or your needs if necessary. Put ICE in your cell phone and make it easier for emergency personnel to contact loved ones in case of an emergency to get your medical history (are you allergic to any drugs, do you have a history of heart disease, do you have a Do Not Resuscitate order, etc.).

Make a new entry with the word “ICE” followed by the name of the person you want called in emergency situations (examples: ICE-Dave, ICE-Mom). For more than one contact name, you can even use ICE1-Dave, ICE2-Mom or ICE1, ICE2, etc. Make sure that the people listed as your ICE know that you have listed them in your phone and that they know about your medical history. Everyone, especially people without cell phones, should carry identification information with them, along with emergency contacts and medical information in their wallet or purse. Even some children and many teenagers have cell phones now days; so this ICE information should be included in their cell phone address books so that their parents or guardians can be reached quickly.

ICE, In Case of Emergency, is free, it’s easy, and one day it could help save your life.

Another amazingly simple and helpful technique to foster greater safety is called The File of Life. Did you know that more than 90% of medical emergency calls are treated without knowledge of the patient’s medical history? Recently, local fire, police and EMS personnel are reaching for what’s called The File of Life. This is a simple card that helps responders to get quick, accurate and vital medical history when a patient is unable to offer the information. The File of Life card also helps to eliminate the risk of a patient forgetting to mention something important. The File of Life could be a lifesaver too, for people who live alone. The File of Life is becoming very popular across the country with local fire, police and EMS departments, and it is kept in a red plastic pocket labeled FILE OF LIFE, and the entire file or pocket is held with a magnet to the outside of your refrigerator. This information should include the patient’s name, emergency medical contact, insurance information, details of any health problems, current medications and dosages, any allergies, any recent surgeries, religion and a health care proxy.

So be assertive with your safety, and with the safety of the people you love–make contact information and vital health information readily available! It’s easy, and better to do this, than wish you did.