We’re into the summer months, and it’s getting warm out there. Everybody is making plans and heading out. What better time to talk about ICE?
No, I’m not talking about the frozen water kind of ICE. I am referring to the ICE that stands for: In Case of Emergency.
Let’s assume you have been driving for a couple of hours, when – kaboom! – you are sideswiped by an 18-wheeler. Your RV is on its back in a ditch and you are out cold. Medical help arrives, and the only thing they know about you is what is on your driver’s license. They don’t know if you are taking medications. They don’t know if you are allergic to any drugs. And, they don’t know whom to call to get that information. When treating an unconscious victim, medical personnel are handcuffed without information about you.
So what can we do to help them help us? First, almost everybody today has a cell phone. Program your cell phone with the last name ICE and the first name Doctor, and add his telephone number. You can do this for everybody you want notified if you are hurt and can’t speak for yourself. Just remember to use ICE as the last name. Emergency personnel are trained to look for quick-dial numbers on cell phones, and they will look for ICE numbers.
Second, on heavy paper, print your name, address, home phone number, and the list of names and telephone numbers you want notified In Case of an Emergency. List all of the medications you are taking. Provide a brief medical history. Include the same information for anyone who usually travels with you (spouse, mother in-law, etc.). You can use both sides of the paper.
Next, trim the paper to as small a size as possible, take it to a place like Kinkos and have copies made for each of your vehicles and have them laminate them in plastic. Have them make a reduced copy – about the size of a driver’s license – that you can carry on your person. I recommend that every member of your family do the same thing. The information you provide emergency personnel becomes more important the older you are and the more medications you are taking.
The RV lifestyle usually means being out and about. Having copies of your medical record is always a plus in any emergency room. Be safe and have fun.
Final Touch Coach Works is located at 28532 Livingston Avenue in Valencia. For more information, please call 661-775-8375 and visit www.finaltouch-usa.com .