May 27, 2009
We all carry cell phones with hundreds of name and numbers stored in memory but other than us nobody knows who is the closest family or friend in that list. If we suddenly fall ill, the persons attending to us may pick up our cell phone but would not know who to call.
So, how do we make it easier for them? We use ICE (In Case of Emergency) entries in our cell phones.
Wondering what ICE entries are? They are the names and numbers of people you want contacted in case you are in an emergency.
The idea started as a campaign by a paramedic based in Cambridge, England in 2005 when he got tired of trying to figure out whom to contact when he was dealing with patients who could not give information themselves.
It’s so simple that everyone can do it….
Append the word “ICE” before the names of persons you want contacted in case you are in an emergency. This helps emergency personnel look for the ICE entries and reach whoever’s name and contact information is there. It also gives you the opportunity to choose who you want contacted during an emergency. For more than one contact, use ICE1, ICE2, ICE3, etc.
If you become unconscious, rescuers can scroll through your phone contacts and know exactly who to call. Having more than one ICE entry helps in the situation when one contact is not reachable.
It’s a great idea, store it in your phone then pass on the message to your family and friends….
May 18, 2009
Come summer and majority of the people like to holiday close to a water body. Nothing like hanging out at the pool or the beach on a hot day to beat the heat….. But are we prepared?
When we see a water body – swimming pool, beach, etc – most of us succumb to the temptation of getting into the water. But before you venture into a water body – understand your limitations as a swimmer. You need to be a good swimmer to handle rough water.
A few things that you must keep in mind while venturing into water bodies:
- Emergency numbers in that area - hospital, ambulance, etc
- Follow the ‘buddy system’ – always go swimming with a companion, even if you are a good swimmer (you don’t know when you may get cramps or an injury)
- Make sure you constantly keep track of all members who are in the water
- Avoid consuming alcohol before you get into the water – alcohol reduces concentration levels and is an invitation for mishaps in deep water
- Life-jackets, rubber tubes, or even ropes
Remember, rocky areas on the banks of water bodies tend to get slippery, especially during the rains. Avoid such areas.
Learn to swim well – it gives you a better chance to survive in troubled waters. Best of all; learn emergency skills like resuscitation, treatment of injuries and rescue techniques – these skills will come in handy when you find an emergency situation on your hands.
May 13, 2009
As a nation we seem to be living from tragedy to tragedy relating to accidents whether man made or as a result of natural disasters, of which we appear to have a fair share. We have to suffer the consequences of accidents at swimming pools, rivers and lakes, on beaches, railways and roads or those involving air travel and aircraft. In the absence of any national para-medical organization in the country, a general lack of “First Aid” awareness and due to the callous attitude of a people, many accident victims die when they should have lived. They would live if they receive timely first aid and professional medical assistance. The police harassment of those, who try and assist, does not help either.
There is no system in the country that ensures our safety. Other societies have it. Does life in India have to be so cheap? We may be a billion but we deserve better. The Rashtriya Life Saving Society (India), is trying to fill the avoid and promote awareness in lifesaving. It started with swimming pools but soon extended its training in Road Safety which is part of the Society’s Programmes, in which it setup first aid posts along roads and trains 30 to 40 locals in First Aid. It is hoped that these first aiders will react to accidents in their vicinity with prompt assistance that can make the difference between life and death. We also advise the young on rules of the road and safe driving practices.
