29/07/05
Emergency Services Minister Michelle Roberts today urged all Western Australian mobile phone users to put a special ICE number in their mobile phones.
Mrs Roberts said ICE - which stood for In Case of Emergency - would enable police and other rescue workers to quickly alert family members or other relatives if someone was involved in a serious accident.
"It is an inspired idea from the United Kingdom which was launched only a few months ago to assist rescuers to better treat victims of accidents and disasters," she said.
"I encourage everyone to insert the phone number of your ICE 'partner' into your mobile phone address book under ICE to assist emergency workers to be better informed about treating a seriously injured person."
Mrs Roberts said WA would be one of the leaders in encouraging other States to follow suit with the ICE campaign which would be extremely helpful to police, fire and emergency rescue service crews and ambulance officers.
"If police or ambulance officers come across an accident scene where a person may be unconscious, this uniform approach to searching for an emergency contact will save time and possibly lives," she said.
"Police and emergency crews can sometimes struggle to get contact details or medical history from shocked and injured people, and may find it difficult to know who to call.
"Almost everyone carries a mobile phone now, and with an ICE listing they would know immediately who to contact and what number to ring."
Mrs Roberts said it was important for people to think carefully about who would be their ICE contact, particularly if that person had to give consent for emergency medical treatment.
"It is important to make sure the person whose name and number you list under ICE has agreed to be your ICE 'partner' and that they have a list of people to contact on your behalf, including work," she said.
"In addition, they will also need to know about any medical conditions that could affect your emergency treatment, including allergies or medication."
For those under 18, only a parent or legal guardian can be an ICE 'partner' as friends do not have the authority to make medical decisions for minors.
Minister's office: 9213 6600
