By Staff
Have you ever wondered what you would do in case of an emergency? What if you live by yourself and slipped while taking a shower, or what if you were driving and ran off the side of the road and were knocked unconscious?
I guess I'm a little paranoid since I live alone. I have too much free time to think about horrible scenarious I suppose. Typically, when I'm alone and driving when it's dark and I'm not familiar with an area I try to keep in contact with people via cell phone and let my friends and family know where I am if I'm traveling.
You never know what can happen while traveling the Interstate and back roads.
My best friend, who lives in a separate state and by herself sent me a very useful e-mail last week. She and I like to trade scenarios. It's not healthy, but by talking it out it sometimes provides useful tips in case something happens in the future.
I'm not sure how much truth is behind the e-mail, but it's worth taking a shot and great for the billion or so cell phone users in the world.
Apparently, paramedics will turn to a victim's cell phone as a way to check for identity and next of kin. The e-mail goes on to say that a simple idea is to save in the phone list an acronym to make their job easier. It's called ICE - In Case of Emergency.
Under that contact number, list the name and phone number of the person that the emergency personnel must contact on your behalf.
The paramedics are supposed to know what ICE means and they look for it immediately.
It's not only wise to take a cell phone while traveling in the car, but exercising independently around town. While I travel with my cell phone in the car, I've never been one to carry it while I'm walking outside. It makes sense though. Not all accidents are sure to happen while driving.
Not a cell phone user? Keep a written list of emergency contact numbers in your wallet or glove compartment. I'm not expecting to get into any accidents of any kind, but I know that if something is to happen to me my family will be the first notified.
Mary-Allison Lancaster is the Managing editor of the Brewton Standard. She can be reached by e-mail at mlancaster@brewtonstandard.com or by phone at 251.867.4876.