"Put Your Cell Phone on ICE" from Oprah Magazine August 2009

This is an article that I read in the Opray Magazine that I wanted to share with you and encourage you to do what it says to do. I entered my contact info a couple of years ago, and I'm glad to have this article to verify my action and that it is truly something that could help out a lot in case of an emergency.

"If an accident leaves you unconscious or unresponsive, paramedics and emergency room doctors will first look through your wallet for your emergency contact number and medical history. "But only two out of ten people carry a medical card," says Matthew Levy, national director of the International Association of EMTs and Paramedics. The next place a medic might look? Your cell phone's address book: for ICE - which stands for In Case of Emergency.

First used in the UK, ICE has been catching on across the pond, as well. "It's simple, and it costs nothing," says Levy. Just put contact information for the person you want making medical decisions under ICE in your cell phone. (And for good measure, keep it on a card in your wallet.) If your phone allows it, include a text memo about any special conditions or allergies. iPhone owners can download an ICE program that stores contacts, special concerns, and the names of any drugs they may be taking.

For people with chronic health problems, the Energency Service Profile at myrapidmd.com might be a wise choice. At the site, you can enter emergency contacts, medical history, medication, and blood type, among other details, and they will be sent to your phone. You'll also get reminders to update the information regularly to reflect changes in your health.