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ICE: In Case of Emergency

By Trisha Torrey, About.com

Updated November 30, 2007

If you or a loved one needs to be rushed to an emergency room, there is important information emergency personnel may need to know to provide the best treatment if you are hurt or injured. Keep the following details stored on a personal/thumb/flash drive which you drop into your purse or attach to a key chain. It will make your arrival and treatment easier and safer.

Your full name

DO NOT include your address or other information that could help someone steal your identity.

A description of yourself

Include your age, height, weight, eye color, hair color, scars or other identifying marks. If you get separated from your information, they will be able to use your description to match you to the medical information.

Your designated emergency contact person (next of kin)

Include that person's home, work and cell phone numbers.

Your doctors and their contact information

If you have a medical condition you receive treatment for, be sure to include the names of those specialists, too.

Your blood type

Any disease or condition you have that could affect your treatment

A list of drugs or other medications you take on a regular basis

An updated shot record

Some shots will influence your treatment, such as a flu shot, or a tetanus shot.

A list of allergies, especially drug allergies you know about

Basic health insurance information

Include the company name and phone number.

Do NOT include your personal identification numbers or any information that would help someone gain access to your health insurance account if you lose your travel drive.

Other relevant information

Anything that will help someone who might provide assistance to you in an emergency.
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