I remember this coming by about a year ago. I did see a couple of sites discuss this email if it was truly legitimate. There are indications that the email could be more of an urban legend due to the "Forward this to everyone you know" type of statements. I can not find the original site that discussed the ICE subject but the counterpoint was something like...
With all the different makes and models of cell phones it would not be practical to train emergency responders how to retrieve ICE information. They could waste valuable time trying to locate contact info that may or may not exist on the phone. A far better solution would be to carry the emergency contact information on a card that you keep with you in a wallet or purse. Now that is not to say that ICE is not a good idea. There is at least 1 company that has taken advantage of this concept. I am including a link to the site as well as some suggestions about adding ICE to your phone. http://www.icecontact.com/products.asp?productID=8 and another link to the same site with a FAQ http://www.icecontactusa.com/faqs.html This company offers ICE info in several different ways. Key Fobs, ID Cards, Car Stickers, and Cell Phone Stickers. Also you do not need to rely on a subscription to take advantage of this service. You could create the various forms yourself and avoid the cost of this corporate offering. If you are serious about putting an ICE contact on your phone I would recommend also creating some of the other ID methods. I suspect a key fob could be created by laminating a small printed card and punching a hole for your keychain. Use standard mailing labels to put info on outside of your phone and car, Use clear packing tape to protect label. Print cards for wallet, purse, using Business Card Stock (Avery). Disclaimer. I am not an expert in this field, and the above is only my personal point of view. Please use the information at your own risk. ----- Original Message ----- From: George Tuttle To: info-tech@aea8.k12.ia.us Sent: Thursday, January 25, 2007 10:14 AM Subject: [info-tech] ICE Techs: At the request of our school nurse, I said that I would forward on the following information. I don't know if this has been out before or not but I think is worth repeating. George PUT "ICE" IN YOUR CELL PHONE A recent article from the Toronto Star, "The ICE IDEA", is catching on and it is a very simple, yet important method of contact for you or a loved one in case of an emergency. As cell phones are carried by the majority of the population, all you need to do is program the number of a contact person or persons and store the name as "ICE". The idea was thought up by a paramedic who found that when they went to the scenes of accidents, there were always mobile phones with patients, but they didn't know which numbers to call. He therefore thought that it would be a good idea if there was a nationally recognized name to file "next of kin" under. Following a disaster in London, The East Anglican Ambulance Service has launched a national, "In Case of Emergency (ICE) " campaign http://www.portlandonline.com/911/index.cfm?c=djaii The idea is that you store the word "ICE" in your mobile phone address book, and with it enter the number of the person you would want to be contacted "In Case of Emergency ". In an emergency situation, Emergency Services personnel and hospital staff would then be able to quickly find the contact information under "ICE". Please forward this. It won't take too many "forwards" before everybody will know about this. It really could save your life, or put a loved one's mind at rest. For more than one contact name simply enter ICE1, ICE2, ICE3 etc. A great idea that could make a difference
