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In Case of Emergency (ICE): Who Should We Call?

UPMC Content 2

Having ICE info on your phone or in your wallet is crucial if you're in an emergency situation and can't communicate.

ICE information can help emergency staff find out:

  • Who you are.
  • Who to contact to speak on your behalf.
  • What, if any, health conditions or medical issues you have that they need to know about.

How Can I Add ICE Info on My Smartphone?

Some smartphones require you to download an emergency contact app. Others let you enter ICE info without an app.

Using an app to add your ICE contact

  1. Go to your phone's app store and search “In Case of Emergency” or “ICE” in the search bar.
  2. Download an ICE app that works for you.

Depending on the app you use, you'll find your ICE data displayed on the lock screen of your phone.

The data often includes:

  • Emergency contact name.
  • Emergency contact phone number.
  • Any health conditions you have.

Adding your ICE contact through your smartphone features

Many smartphones have a feature that will allow you to add ICE info without needing to download an app.

The Health app on many iPhones allows you to add data emergency staff can access even if you have your phone locked.

Refer to your user manual or contact your provider to find out if your phone has a built-in feature.

If your phone doesn't have this feature or you can't download an app:

  1. Clearly write or type your ICE info on a piece of paper.
  2. Use your phone's camera to take a picture.
  3. Set the picture as the wallpaper of your phone screen.

What If I Don't Have a Smartphone or Cell Phone?

How to add ICE on a basic cell phone (not a smartphone)

  • In your contact list, insert “ICE” before the name of the person who you want to be your emergency contact.
  • When the emergency team searches “ICE” in your contacts, they will find the person they need to contact.

Other ways to have ICE info on hand if you don't have a cell phone

Make sure you have emergency contact information somewhere on you that's easy to find.

For example, keep a card in your wallet with your:

  • Emergency contact name.
  • Emergency contact's phone number.
  • Medical history or any health conditions you may have.