In Case of Emergency: Who are you?

Sometimes we make things too hard. We have technology and systems and plans . . . but what happens when things don't go to plan or when the electricity cuts out?
I love gadgets. I enjoy efficiency. I'm beginning to love simplicity more and more.
Here's a suggestion from a nurse who musta seen many people in unplanned for situations.
Funny thing is, I've done this very thing for some of my non-English speaking refugee friends, but never thought it through for myself. Short-sighted.

"From the emergency nurse’s point of view, two problems we often face are:

• Correct identification of an unconscious or critically ill patient.
• Rapid contact with the correct next of kin or designated person to inform.

This problem can rise exponentially in the instance of mass casualties. You would be surprised how many people turn up in our department with absolutely no solid ID on them whatsoever.
An electronic ID card would provide one solution, although the technology required to decode the information might not always be available or (in a large disaster scenario) fully operational.

Many forms of commercially produced personal health ID systems are available, but from a nurses point of view what we are looking for is a small sturdy laminated card carried on your person (the first place we will look is in your wallet or purse). We want a brief up to date medical history and some contact options, as well as a recent photo so we can match the information to the patient.

Another good idea that has been encouraged in the UK , is to store a contact number under ICE (In Case of Emergency) on your mobile phone contact list. However, many mobile phones arrive in an even worse state than their owners.

There is really no need for a high tech solution when you can easily make some cards similar to the ones above yourself. Include a recent photo. Once laminated, punch a hole in one corner so that if necessary, it can be tied around your neck or wrist.
Whip one up on your computer….and while you are at it make one for all the members of your family….get it laminated and pop it in your wallet. It might very well help to save their life." impactednurse.com

FRONT:photo, name, personal contact info, DOB, next of kin or employer, alternate contact friend/relative. BACK: Fingerprint, medical history, medications you are taking, allergies, physician's name and contact info, insurance company & policy #.

Download an American Red Cross contact card or create your own simple version.

Place it behind your driver's licence as that is what emergency personnel look for first.