To overcome the inherent issues with locked screens on mobile phones, former paramedic and creator of ICE - In Case of Emergency, Bob Brotchie, has also created this app to ensure the best possible chance of relevant information being available when it’s needed. It’s a complement to all other methods or can be used on its own. In short, this app provides for the most critical information to be accessible in the shortest possible time!
ICE – In Case of Emergency has been running successfully, and has been globally accepted, since 2005. The ICE wallpaper creator returns emergency notification back to the ideals of Bobs original concept - uniformity!
Without a uniform approach, the phone user is often unaware of the availability and method to ICE their phone. Added to this, the paramedic, or hospital staff, are less motivated to trust going beyond the locked screen. This may be because many phone owners fail to populate the available data fields or that the phone is locked, and it’s often unclear how to rapidly access any data due to the various methods being made available to date. Providing uniform access is the only way to create potential success.
In the rare event you find yourself unable to communicate due to a traumatic event, medical or psychological illness, it is ideal if paramedics and other emergency responders, including hospital staff, can:
1. Confirm your identity.
2. Notify your next-of-kin, or agreed ICE contact, about where you are thus allowing the earliest possible repatriation. This can reduce stress and increase the potential for recovery, thus meaning you arent alone in the hospital and booked in only as a patient unknown (PU).
3. When points 1 and, or 2 above are available, or the data on the phone is available, the chances of harmful medical interventions occurring are greatly reduced.
So why was this app created?
This app brings the greatest opportunity possible for its intended purpose to be realised and successful. Coming from Bob Brotchie, the founder of ICE, he has worked tirelessly for more than ten years promoting ICE. Bob has also acted as a consultant with other notification system innovators over that period and has gained immeasurable experience.
Remember, this app provides for the most critical information to be accessible in the shortest possible time. It satisfies, and indeed excels, in once again returning to the simplicity that has made ICE the success it continues to be today, by providing:
1. A uniform approach for utilisation by emergency staff at the scene, and in the hospital, by creating the most rapid and intuitive access on behalf of the patients who are unable to communicate for themselves in an emergency situation.
2. The most critical data required - instantly - whether the phone has been locked, or not:
• Name
• Date of Birth (if selected)
• First and any second choice agreed ICE contacts
• A ‘You should know that…’ section so the phone owner can add ANYTHING they feel the responder or hospital must know, right off the bat!
• An ‘I care for…’ section to ensure that others are aware that you are a carer for a pet, or loved one, who will be in need of assistance in your absence.
3. The ability to quickly add a selfie for the lock screen or home wallpaper which can help the paramedic, or hospital staff, to confirm the phone holder IS the person for whom the ICE information relates.
4. Choice of text colours, and screen position, for data the user decides to provide.
5. Choice of changeable wallpaper themes.
We hope you never need ICE, but if you do, and its put to use, we think its invaluable not only to you but your loved ones also.
ICE, because no one should lay unknown in the hospital, and no loved one should suffer the anguish of finding out too late. Its as clear as ICE why this app matters to you and your loved one. Get it and share it - because the unexpected can be planned for!