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What do we mean when we say put someone one ICE?
ICE is an acronym that stands for "In Case of Emergency".
ICE is a text entry into your cell phone, PDA or pager contacts list. The list of names with ICE in front of them will be contacted in the event of an emergency where you are unable to speak, or incapacitated.
These people you have pre-chosen would know most of your medical history, which could include previous medical conditions, medications that you take and even allergies that may complicate treatment.
The amount of information this person would know is totally up to your discretion. The goal is to make it quicker for first responders and hospital personnel to be able to contact the person you would like notified in the event you have or are involved in an emergency situation.
Early Beginnings
This campaign began in April 2005 by a practicing paramedic based in Cambridge England. Paramedics were becoming frustrated with not being able to contact people that may have relevant information to a victim's medical history.
Today, this campaign is gaining popularity throughout the United States. Fire Departments, Police departments, EMS crews, even hospitals are encouraging people to stop and take a moment and enter the "ICE" text into their cell phones.
Looking back at events of Hurricane Katrina, September 11th, and the World Trade Center bombing in 1989, and potential future environmental and terrorist disasters it is important to be able find out crucial medical information about victims, and be able to locate and notify close family or friends of a persons whereabouts especially if that person cannot speak.
This article continues at How to Put Someone on ICE.
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