A very dear friend of mine took a terrible, terrible fall this morning. She has a habit of not taking ID when she does a quick run to the stores. So today she only had her cell phone on her. My number was the first listed in the "In Case of Emergency" slot on her phone. I got a call at work from the EMTs because they didn't know her name (she couldn't tell them) or her medical history. So here is case where an FDNY EMT actually did use a cell phone in an emergency. Please...fill in your emergency numbers...and always take ID.

Good health to you all.

Sorry to hear about your friend. I hope she's alright.

to echo Bingley, I hope she is all right

in addition to an ICE phone number stored in your cell phone...its pretty easy to generate a list of emergency personal contact numbers (be sure to save the list as your relatives may change numbers as often as mine do), doctor's office, and list of prescription medications... reduce print size, and DIY laminate with a piece of heavy duty clear packing tape... place in your wallet in the driver's license pocket...

I'm sorry to hear about your friend, UrbanKathy. Thank you for letting us know about FDNY using a phone that way.

I'm sorry about your friends accident. I wish her a speedy recovery. My cell doesn't have an ICE application.

just add "ICE" or " In case of emergency" and the cell numbers in your phone book -- That's where they'll look.

Not to be a downer, but I never have used ICE either as an EMT or a physician. Too busy w/ other things ...

If whatever gets me doesn't get my phone, hopefully the hospital will call my wife once I'm stabilized.

Road ID -- I have one in bright yellow. Otherwise not affiliated.

Consider signing-up with the Medic Alert Foundation (a not for profit)and obtaining their engraved neck medallion or bracelet. Even if you have no defined medical need for this ID, you can have your name, blood type, religion, emergency contact number, allergies,etc., engraved on the back of the rather inconspicious medallion/brecelet. You also have the Foundation's "800" number and your registration number. The police/hospital can call their registry and get your complete medical history (you submit it when you sign up), along with other emergency and contact info. A life membership allows you to update for free. EMTS and police know to look for them on your neck/wrist along with a wallet card containing more details (e.g. a list of your daily meds). Cheap insurance. Usual disclaimers.