In Case of Emergency

What is I.C.E. contact, and why is it important?

About 20 years ago I was travelling back from Brunei, on our way to the UK and probably two hours into the flight when a call came over the intercom system requesting the service of a doctor. One of our group of travellers was a trained medic but felt that we should leave the response to a doctor. However, by the third call, it became clear that there wasn't a doctor on board and our colleague offered to assist.

On arrival at the seat, he discovered that the casualty wasn't breathing but was showing signs of life. She was travelling by herself, which meant that no one could provide any information about pre-existing medical health conditions. Sadly the casualty passed away. With an ICE card, the additional information could have prompted the crew to request assistance with that particular condition, and also prompted the responder to seek life-saving medicines that may be needed to suppress the condition. More information about the casualty would have been helpful and may have sustained life a little bit longer. Sadly the ICE system wasn't in place. However, more and more travellers are starting to incorporate this system into documentation and on mobile phones.

ICE cards are used by the emergency services or by strangers helping you in some type of medical emergency where you are not able to provide information. Most people use common sense and look into your wallet, purse or pockets to look for important information about you and emergency contacts.

Creating an I.C.E. Card

An ICE card is an In Case of Emergency Card. The card should contain information about yourself, including full name, medical health information, and emergency contacts that would be important for someone to know in an emergency. It should be about credit card size and fit easily in a wallet or purse or alongside airline documentation. Just having them on your mobile phone is not enough by itself and a hard copy is the preferred option.

The simplest method is to visit GetIceCard.com ICE card template. Enter the information requested and it will create a PDF document with two copies of the card that you can print out and cut the individual cards out. Alternatively, a template can be made using Microsoft Word and the result printed.

Make sure whichever method you choose that you check the cards to ensure all information is correct.

Next, protect the cards by either laminating them or slipping them into a card protector. Whichever method you choose, make sure to cut down to card size again. You could also consider printing the cards on thicker paper for more durability. Don't forget to pop one into your passport.

How do I put details on my mobile phone?

Each particular phone has its own nuances on how to enter emergency contact information. Click on the link below on how to set this up on your own phone. Failing that look on the various websites specific to your own phone type and model for more information.

For mobile phone ICE Setup. Click Here