Someone’s been in an accident, they’re badly injured and you need to find out as much information as possible to ensure that they can be treated quickly. You need to find out their name, age, medical conditions, allergies and details of the medication they’re taking, etc. in order to help them as best you can. But unfortunately, they are unable to communicate this information to you. They have a phone with them but you’re unable to unlock it.
How will you find out this information?
What if that person is you or a loved one?
Wouldn’t it be helpful if there was a way you could access all this information without having to unlock their phone? Giving you all the information both you and the emergency services need to provide them with the most help you can.
You may have heard of ICE before it stands for “in case of emergency” and it’s a term that many of us have been taught to look for when someone requires medical attention. Unfortunately, a large number of people’s ICE info (if they have it) is stored within their phone, making it difficult to access if the owner is unable to unlock the phone.
Do you have ICE info and if so where is it stored?
In case of emergency (ICE) apps and cards make it possible for loved ones to be told of an emergency and for emergency and medical care personnel to get vital health information. It gives first responders key information on critical health issues; such as medication use, allergies or pre-existing conditions.
Information saves time, information saves lives. If you are taken ill or injured, carrying your ICE info could make all the difference.
The information can be accessed through your lock screen, ensuring that your info can be accessed even if you’re unable to unlock the phone.
Below are links to guides and apps to help you set up your ICE info:
iPhone:
- How to set-up Medical ID- https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT207021
- How to access Medical ID on a locked iPhone – https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT209053
Android:
- Depending on which model of phone you have and which version of Android you’re running, you might have an emergency contact feature in your phone’s setting. If you have this it will be under a sub-menu such as My Information.
- If you can’t find an emergency contact field within the settings, there are apps for adding ICE info. You will need to use one that has a widget accessible from the lock screen, otherwise you won’t be able to access the info without unlocking the phone.
- Link to a Free Medical ID App- https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=app.medicalid.free
Windows Phone:
- To add ICE info to a Windows Phone, you’ll want to use a lock screen app.
- These apps typically display messages on your lock screen. So would allow you to add your ICE info to your locked screen.
- Free App- Locked Screen Text- https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/p/lock-screen-text/9wzdncrfhvqd?activetab=pivot%3aoverviewtab
This post was created in order to raise awareness of the importance of ICE info. If you are taken ill or injured, carrying your ICE info could make all the difference. Also knowing how to access ICE info could make a big difference in the help you are able to provide someone.
Share this information with family and friends. You could just save a life.
