In Case of Emergency Card
Every time we cycle, whether that be for competition, fitness, commuting or recreation there is a remote chance that you could have a tumble, or be involved in an accident, and having emergency, medical or contact information immediately to hand could be beneficial, and perhaps may even help save your life.
If you are involved in a cycle incident, you want first responders to have access to your IN CASE of EMERGENCY (ICE) contact and medical information easily and quickly. You also want fellow riders, or first responders, to be able to get a message to anybody expecting you home to let them know what has happened and where they can find you.
Therefore carrying, or even wearing, ICE and ID information makes sense. There are lots of ways to carry this information with you, ranging from a simple handwritten card through to QR codes and online solutions.
Below we will look at the pros and cons of each of these solutions, and give you some ideas on what to include on your own personal ICE card, and, importantly, how to get one.
What to include on an ICE Card
Like most things in life - keeping it simple is the key to success. That also applies to what to include on an ICE card. All you need is to list your name, briefly state any key information about your health and medical conditions and provide contact details of the people you wish to be contacted in an emergency. As a minimum this would be:
- Full name and address
- Date of birth, blood group, and any known allergies
- Contact information for, preferably 2 emergency contacts
Additionally, it is recommended to include
- Any medical issues you may have, e.g. asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure etc
- Any medication you take e.g. 3mg warfarin daily
- Anything you think first responders should know, e.g. hip replacement, titanium pin in leg, etc.
Printed ICE Card
An ICE card can be the simplest, and cheapest way of carrying your emergency information. All you need is some paper and a pen. However, you can easily up your game by printing off an ICE Card template from the web, purchasing plastic self complete cards, or even purchasing custom printed plastic cards.
Ice Cards are usually credit card size, therefore easily carried around, on and off the bike. Because they are relatively small, they are usually two-sided. One side displaying vital details about the holder and their emergency contacts, and the reverse side displaying medical information.
ICE cards are lightweight, and the plastic ones are robust. Homemade ones can be laminated (your local library or post office can usually do this for you) to increase durability.
Home made ICE cards are easily and cheaply replaced if any information on your card changes.
Make Your Own ICE Card
Open our free ICE In Case of Emergency Card template, fill it in with your details, print it off, and then cut it to size. If you can, print the card on a thicker paper like card stock so that it is more durable.
Next, protect the card from day to day wear and tear, water and mud by either laminating it, slipping it into a card protector, or covering it in clear packaging tape front and back.
Carry it with you everytime you head out on your bike.
Emergency Contacts on Your Mobile Phone
In addition to carrying an ICE Card, your phone should be set up with ICE information.
This should be considered a back up measure; your phone may be broken during a tumble, it may be locked, you may have ran out of battery, or your phone may be unfamiliar to the first responder and therefore difficult for them to navigate.
On most modern phones the lock screen can be programmed with medical and ICE data in the event your phone is locked. Some people also add an emergency contact, labeled ICE, to their contacts list so if your phone is not locked, first responders can locate and call someone on your behalf. Even if your phone is locked, voice assistant calling can be used in some cases to call this ICE assigned contact.
How you set up ICE and medical information on your phone depends on the type of phone you have - either iPhone or Android, and also on the age of the phone. On some older versions of mobile phone operating systems, more steps are required.
The links to external websites below should guide you through the how to set up ICE information on your phone. Just choose which type of phone you own.
Setting Up ICE Contacts on an iPhone
Wearable ID Information
Wearable ID can be anything from a simple wristband with, or without a faceplate, to something a whole lot funkier. The key is to look for something made from a durable material, like silicone or nylon, with a stainless steel faceplate that’ll withstand getting wet from both the weather, and from you!
Dog Tags
Old school, military style personalised dog tags are a relatively inexpensive option. Though not everyone likes having something hanging round their neck when exercising.
These are usually embossed stainless steel, which means they should not rust. They are usually sold in pairs, allowing one tag to be embossed with contact information, and the other with medical information. Most sellers also include a chain when you order them. Look out for "silencers" when ordering them. Silencers are the deteachable rubber edges that can be fitted to the tags - stops them rattling together, and makes them a bit more comfortable to wear.
Expect to pay between £5 and £10 for a personalised pair.
ICE Wrist Bands
ICE wrist bands can be split into two types. The first is the custom made type, which has an engraved (or embossed) faceplate integrated into the band.
The second is a band that conceals a hand written note which contains your ICE and medical info. The band often includes reflective, or hi-viz, detailing.
The first type looks, to many, a neater solution, and is arguably more robust. However, if anything chamges e.g. your health, or a contact's phone number then you have to have the faceplate, or maybe even the whole wrist band remade. Whereas with the second solution, you can simply rewrite the information yourself.
Relatively new to the market are engraved (or embossed) tags designed to slip onto the strap of your watch or Fitbit. These are unobtrusive, and reduce the need for multiple straps around your wrist.
Expect to pay upwards of £15 for a personalised wristband.
Helmet Tags
Helmet ID Tags contain a slip of folded paper, on which you record all contact and medical information. Information can be accessed by simply pulling the the end of the tag which then brings out the folded paper. Some designs include a tamper-proof seal to ensure the security of personal information and data privacy until it is needed.
Externally, the tags are usually bright yellow reflective material, and they stick to your helmet using "Helmet Safe" adhesive.
Expect to pay between £5 and £10 for a helmet tag.
On Line ICE and Medical Information
A common offering seen on line is to have a wrist band, and/or, ICE card printed with a QR code included on it. The idea being that, when needed, a first responder can scan the code and get all your medical information and emergency contact details from a web page.
This solution has both advantages, and disadvantages.
Advantages include:
- The web page can contain loads more information than can be included on a wrist band or ICE card,
- The online information can be easily, and frequently, updated by yourself,
- Some providers have multiple language pages, so you still have medical and contact information at hand when cycling abroad.
Disadvantages include:
- If there is no phone signal available to the first responder, they will not be able to access your information,
- There is usually an annual charge for this type of service,
- Some people have concerns about on line security, and their medical information being hacked or accessed without their permission.
Staying Safe When Cycling
Here are another couple of pages worth visiting that will give you some tips on how to keep yourself safe when cycling.
Safe Road Positioning
Learn all about safe road positioning, including how far from the kerb to cycle, and what to do when the road changes in our guide.
Cyclists and Level Crossings
Discover the three types of level crossings you are likely to encounter in the Grampian region.
Our page offers general safety tips on level crossings, and specific advise for each of the three types.
Books
The following books from Amazon may be of interest:
