Toronto's Emergency Medical Services has come up with a new way for the city's paramedics to access a victim's next of kin.
Many times, paramedics deal with people who are unable to communicate because of their medical condition. That's why EMS officials are urging people to put in an ICE -- In Case of Emergency -- contact into their cell phones to guide paramedics in those instances.
"File it in your address book, have perhaps a family member's name next to the word 'ICE' and if necessary hospital staff, police officers, paramedics might be able to access your phone and contact your next-of-kin," explained David Ralph with EMS.
Once the person's name has been added under ICE in a cell phone directory, the emergency contact should be notified of any special medical conditions, such as an allergy or regularly prescribed medication that could affect emergency treatment.
However, while it might help, nothing replaces proper identification, warns OPP Sgt. Cam Wooley.
"Cell phones are often damaged or destroyed or even lost especially in rollover or fire, and really nothing replaces having proper identification on your person," he told CTV News.
Police also warn about adding too much information under the ICE contact. For example, if your cell phone is stolen, adding your mother's maiden name could make it easy for criminals trying to get access to credit information.
With a report from CTV's Karlene Nation
