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What Does "in Case of Emergency" Mean?

Helen Akers
Helen Akers

"In case of emergency" is a preparation protocol that lists emergency contact information using the acronym "ICE." A British ambulance service worker started the concept in 2005. Anyone can choose to list their "in case of emergency" contacts on a mobile phone application or with a doctor or hospital.

A person's list of contacts is used by emergency workers to notify friends and relatives of a life-threatening situation. The "in case of emergency" call list is extremely helpful if an individual becomes unconscious or unable to respond. Authorization for surgery and life support may be needed. In addition, if a person passes away as the result of an accident or natural disaster, emergency responders have a way to notify the next living relative.

Parents might load "in case of emergency" numbers into a child's cell phone so the parent can be reached if trouble occurs.
Parents might load "in case of emergency" numbers into a child's cell phone so the parent can be reached if trouble occurs.

Many hospitals, doctors, fire stations, police departments and ambulance workers are educated about the "in case of emergency" program. A list of contacts contained in a mobile phone address book, personal digital assistant or day timer may be used in order to locate an appropriate person to call. These pieces of personal property are usually searched for when victims of an accident are located or discovered. When the contact information is labeled with the letters "ICE" or has "in case of emergency" beside the name, emergency personnel are left with no doubts.

"In case of emergency" phone numbers are used in cases of medical emergencies.
"In case of emergency" phone numbers are used in cases of medical emergencies.

The program is not without criticism. First, it assumes that everyone stores emergency contact information in a mobile phone. Though they may be few and far between, some people choose not to carry cell phones. Others may not be able to afford purchase and usage costs associated with cell phone ownership. There is also the chance that the contact information contained in a user's cell phone will be outdated or incorrect.

One criticism of the "ICE" program is the idea that emergency personnel do not always get a chance to sort through a mobile phone contact list.
One criticism of the "ICE" program is the idea that emergency personnel do not always get a chance to sort through a mobile phone contact list.

This is most likely to occur when cell phone owners upgrade or switch phone models. They may put off transferring contact information from the old phone to the new one. Even though the program has encouraged cell phone manufacturers to incorporate a "ICE" label into the software, some owners may not use it or even be aware of its significance. If the owner does happen to be proactive about maintaining a current "in case of emergency" call list in his phone, those listed as contacts may not always appreciate their personal information being readily available to strangers.

Workers in hazardous jobs may learn basic first aid techniques to be used in case of an emergency until medical help arrives.
Workers in hazardous jobs may learn basic first aid techniques to be used in case of an emergency until medical help arrives.

Other criticisms of the "ICE" program include the fact that emergency personnel do not always get a chance to sort through a mobile phone contact list. Several areas of a hospital prohibit the use of mobile phones due to the fact that the wireless signals interfere with medical equipment. In severe situations, there may not be time to locate a phone, let alone take it to an area in the hospital where cell phone use is permitted. There is also always the possibility that an owner will place a lock code on his phone to prevent unauthorized use.

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    • Parents might load "in case of emergency" numbers into a child's cell phone so the parent can be reached if trouble occurs.
      By: denys_kuvaiev
      Parents might load "in case of emergency" numbers into a child's cell phone so the parent can be reached if trouble occurs.
    • "In case of emergency" phone numbers are used in cases of medical emergencies.
      By: Tatyana Gladskih
      "In case of emergency" phone numbers are used in cases of medical emergencies.
    • One criticism of the "ICE" program is the idea that emergency personnel do not always get a chance to sort through a mobile phone contact list.
      By: Monkey Business
      One criticism of the "ICE" program is the idea that emergency personnel do not always get a chance to sort through a mobile phone contact list.
    • Workers in hazardous jobs may learn basic first aid techniques to be used in case of an emergency until medical help arrives.
      By: bepsphoto
      Workers in hazardous jobs may learn basic first aid techniques to be used in case of an emergency until medical help arrives.
    • People who work in dangerous jobs will have emergency contacts who can be reached in the case of an accident.
      By: Photographee.eu
      People who work in dangerous jobs will have emergency contacts who can be reached in the case of an accident.