Contra Costa County, Calif., Board Asks People to Put Contacts on Cell Phones
Posted on: Wednesday, 10 August 2005, 00:00 CDT
Aug. 10--Cell phones could hold the key to saving lives if people follow the advice of Contra Costa's supervisors.
The Board unanimously voted Tuesday to encourage people to put emergency contacts and medical information in their cell phone address books.
Emergency workers could find the information if a person is injured and unable to communicate. Paramedics and firefighters would be able retrieve vital, life-saving information and contact loved ones or doctors by checking the cell phone's ICE -- In Case of Emergency -- listing.
"It's sort of an easy, no cost thing for people to do," said Supervisor Mark DeSaulnier, who brought the proposal to the board. "My 19-year-old helped me program my phone last night."
Emergency personnel could find medical conditions, allergies and medications in the ICE list.
The public awareness campaign will begin with the Sheriff's Office, the county Office of Emergency Services and the county's fire chiefs.
The idea has been gaining popularity internationally and around the country. Many emergency workers say it is a valuable tool if used in conjunction with traditional method of keeping medical information -- in a purse or wallet next to a photo ID
Some question whether a first responder will have enough time to look around an accident or crime scene or to rifle through a person's clothes looking for a cell phone. If they do find a phone, it might be difficult to work an unfamiliar system.
Supervisor Mary Piepho said she thought it might be better to have hospital workers check the cell phones.
"It might be more effective when (the injured) get into emergency rooms or hospitals where people will have a little more time to look for their phones," Piepho said.
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Copyright (c) 2005, Contra Costa Times, Walnut Creek, Calif.
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Source: Contra Costa Times (Walnut Creek, Calif.)
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