WEIRTON - The Weirton Woman's Club, a General Federation of Women's Clubs of West Virginia member, is promoting the "ICE Your Phone" campaign by encouraging mobile phone users to enter emergency contact information under the heading ICE.
Diane Pastoric, president of the Weirton Woman's Club, said the club is always looking for ways to inform the public and feels the In Case of Emergency - or ICE - program is worthy of talking about. She said information was given during the group's summer conference and the ICE program is being promoted throughout the entire state.
"We're looking to target everyone," she said. "ICE can be a life saver and the life you save may be your own or a loved one."
ICE is the internationally recognized In Case of Emergency project that not only assists family members and individuals, but first responders and emergency room medical staff.
The program advises individuals to program cell phones with the emergency contact person's information under ICE after choosing a responsible person to be the contact. Those doing so should make sure to inform the contact and provide them with information that may affect treatment.
In order to effectively identify the contact as the ICE, it is best to input "ICE" before the person's name and apply an ICE sticker to the back of the phone to serve as a visual alert that there is an established communication protocol.
In addition to educating the public and serving as a hub for ICE stickers to put on cell phones, Pastoric said they have and will continue to talk about the program with local hospitals, ambulance services and other emergency services.
Eric Zaney, paramedic and medical operations director for the Weirton Area Ambulance and Rescue Squad, said it is not often people carry their emergency contact information with them, but nearly everyone carries a cell phone. She said even in an accident, the phone could be accessed by medical crews which can lead to vital information.
Zaney said the local ambulance service will stand behind the program fully. He said WAARS intends to purchase some ICE stickers as well which will be available for free to anyone wishing to obtain one.
For more information about the program contact Diane Pastoric at (304) 723-1046 or the Weirton Area Ambulance and Rescue Squad at (304) 797-1233.
(Dickson can be contacted at adickson@weirtondaiytimes.com)
