ICE [In Case of Emergency] Thread
 

ICE is a fine idea except for those of us who lock our cell phones. I know many GSM phones support a list of numbers that can be dialed even while the phone is locked, but how many EMT's and the like are familiar with this or want to bother trying?

What I do is use a labeller to place a laminated sticker on the back of the phone, that states "ICE - 555-555-5555"

This sticker is on multiple places, including the cellphone case, passport / case as well.

In addition, you can set ICE messages on Blackberry standby message as well.

Good idea.

Ah, so there's another thing I miss about Blackberry: the customizable lock screen. Android doesn't let you do much there.

For Android: Appventive's ICE $2.99

I don't have this, but it seems to match what you are asking for with lock screen support.

You could also use a graphics editor to include information on you home screen graphic.

I think the laminated label is better, because the phone could be damaged in an accident, or the battery could be dead, etc.

The laminated label will work no matter the condition of the phone.

I have a small laminated card in my wallet containing emergency information (in several countries even) plus vital any medical information, such as blood type, as well as organ donor status.

a good reminder to all ^. i've been "ice'ing for almost 5 years now ever since i saw a report on the news about it.

As others have mentioned, some phones have the ability to display owner's-information text on the lock screen, and in the case of Windows Mobile, older versions could be set to show contact information when waking up from sleep even if not locked.

What's funny is that when this ICE thing started, it was clearly an "urban legend" - but it does seem to have caught on as something people are aware of (even if the statement here some of the statements in this other thread: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...cellphone.html that US-based emergency responders can't look through other information is utter bunk.)

There are a number of free templates online for such cards. Here's one that has a free fillable PDF to complete on your own computer, print out, cut out, and laminate.

http://www.my-healthkey.com/card.htm

I find one of the best options is something called Road ID. Inexpensive and can provide a good amount of information in an open or private manner. Started wearing it after my appendix ruptured on a business trip. Played the scenario in my mind 100's of times and wished I had on my back then.

Before I got to your post, I was already thinking about posting about RoadID. I've had one since 2007, after I shattered my leg hiking in Italy.
If you are watching the Tour de France coverage on Versus TV, you'll see the commentators and many of the cyclist wearing the RoadID. It looks like a rubber bracelet or a velcro watch band, depending on which type you have. I bought the Elite ID Interactive version, so I can put more information up on the website and change it depending on my needs. I wear it everytime I travel and when I go out riding or hiking locally. I don't always have my cellphone or wallet with me, but I will always have my RoadID on!!

I laser print my contact info on an Avery address label, then cover it with good clear packing tape on the back of the handset. That combo is almost indestructible no matter how much wear and tear your phone gets.

I am a firefighter/paramedic, so I'll answer that for you. I cant say that I have ever looked or saw anyone look at a pt's phone for this info. Not for what I think you guys are talking about anyways, which I assume would be some sort of tramatic injury leaving you unable to communicate. We have made a bunch of calls for an elderly person living alone, looking for a person who makes medical decisions, or could convince them to go to the hospital, ect.
The bracelete looks nice, and I am sure we'd notice something like that assuming your arm was still attached ;). We look for the med alert braceletes worn typically by diabetics, so even a dumb fireman might find that.
The hospital starts digging in pockets a lot more than we do looking for that kind of stuff. They usually start with the wallet (prob looking for ins info) so thats where I would keep something like this...

barnburner,
Thanks for your feedback. This supports my impression that for people who carry wallets, ICE info is best kept there first for true medical emergencies.

I've felt that the main reason for having "ICE" info on my phone itself is so that if I lose it, someone might have a clue about another number they could call if they want to try to get it back to me.

Back in December, I found a cell phone that someone dropped on the ski slopes. I turned it on to try to find a number of someone to call, and the battery died almost right away. It was the end of the day, so I took it back to our condo, charged it with my USB cable, and sorted through the contacts until I eventually found something that seemed to indicate a parent. It was a teenage girl's phone, and the contact names were not obvious like "Dad." :rolleyes:

There was not an ICE entry in the contact list, but I did look for one.

I can't remember exactly why, but for some reason I actually had to figure out the phone model number and download a manual for the phone. I spent well over an hour figuring out how to get this phone back to its owner, and it would have been so much easier if it just had a simple "ICE" label stuck to the outside.

I have a P-Touch label maker that I use for labeling things which might could get lost during travels. If I might put it in the seat pocket or remove it from my bag at security, I want a label on it. The label maker is also great for labeling cables and power cords. Staples often puts these on sale for around $10.

There was a thread (perhaps in Travelbuzz or OMNI) & another EMT said the same thing, that they're too busy worrying about the patient to look through cell phone for ICE.

While I have it programmed into my cell (hey, can't hurt), I also have a card in my wallet & also taped to the back of my DL) that says in case of emergency, contact this person & their info.

Cheers.