ICE Advice

By entering the acronym ICE (which stands for In Case of Emergency) into your cell phone contact list/address book, you identify the name and number of someone emergency responders can contact for information in an emergency. However, there are other steps that you and your ICE partner must take in order to ensure that the system works most effectively:

1. Find an ICE partner - an able-minded, responsible adult willing to keep and carry your medical information and answer emergency responders' questions, should the need arise.

2. Make sure your ICE partner is easy to contact. For example, if your ICE partner works outside of the home, don't list his home phone number as your contact. Listing a cellular telephone contact number generally works best.

3. Share your medical information – including what medications you take, your allergies and any ongoing conditions – with your ICE partner (click here to download a convenient ICE contact card). Make sure your ICE partner updates your medication list and other health information as it changes.

4. If you're under 18, designate your parent, legal guardian or other adult authorized to make medical decisions on your behalf as your ICE partner.

5. Remember that if you use a keypad lock on your cell phone, emergency responders may not be able to access your contacts/address book.

6. If you've agreed to be serve as someone else's ICE partner: - keep your partner's information card in your wallet, auto glove box or other accessible location.- don't give out your partner's social security number or other private financial information to anyone claiming to be a paramedic.- don't panic if you are contacted. Help emergency responders by staying calm and responding quickly and honestly to their questions.

*Emergency Medical Services Authority