When accidents occur in Reno or Sparks, Nevada, the victims’ emergency contacts are extremely important. Too often, those involved aren’t able to provide rescuers with phone numbers and medical information.

When Reno or Sparks police and rescue workers must sift through pockets, glove compartments, wallets, purses and cell phone directories, they waste precious time.

In the unfortunate event that you are involved in an accident, you have people in the Reno and Sparks, NV, area who you’ll want to be contacted to arrange help, give consent to treatment and inform Reno or Sparks paramedics of medical conditions, allergies or medications.

A brilliantly simple solution is now spreading through Reno and Sparks and around the globe: ICE. ICE stands for In Case of Emergency. It is a way to identify emergency contacts in your cell phone directory. Simply put ‘ICE’ before a contact name in your cell phone, like ‘ICE – Dad,’ ‘ICE – Nancy.’ or ‘ICE – Doctor Roberts.’ Rescuers will be able to quickly identify your emergency contacts, saving valuable time.

In 2005, Bob Brotchie, a Cambridge, England, paramedic came up with the idea and a promotional campaign for it in England. This idea is gaining attention in Reno and Sparks, NV, and in other countries. Reno or Sparks rescue workers all know how many times they are unable to find a wallet or purse on an accident victim. Yet most Reno and Sparks area folks over 14 years of age are seldom without their cell phone.

There are national and worldwide disaster databases which cost up to $200 a year to participate in. But ‘ICE’ is free to the 276 million cell phone users in the U.S. It is easy for you and your families to designate some ICE contacts in your cell phone. Remember to keep the listings current.

Please join Wayne’s Automotive Center in getting the word out. Help us put Reno and Sparks, NV, on ICE!