Seconds count when you are in medical trouble. And, now, a new company, EmergencyLink, may be able to help medical health personnel respond more completely to the situation. But, it requires us to do something now to make that possible. And, they (EmergencyLink) need to figure out how to respond more quickly, too!
Like Google Health (dead) or Microsoft Health Vault (as reported here), Emergency Link asks us to set up a profile, with medical conditions, allegies, drug regimens, insurance, and contacts, that is stored on their site. Of course, the data is protected by a password (chosen by us) and also accessible via smartphones. You can also share information among contacts you stipulate. And, given an emergency, they can provide your key contact (ICE, In Case of Emergency) and information- if you use the stickers, keychain tags, wallet cards they provide. (These contain your account number and a number to reach EmergencyLink.) Most importantly, this information can be the locking screen for your smartphone.
I say this because my cellphone is now locked with no ICE information easily visible. Even though I believe this is critical information for first responders. Because of various court rulings that have empowered the police to search my phone for no cause whenever they want. Now, when you look at my phone, you must enter a code to see anything- including the ICE number. Using EmergencyLink means an emergency number (but not the ICE designee) is visible- even when the phone is locked.
However, as I stated above, the response time is like some of the nightmare stories we’ve heard about 911 calls- not exactly a swift response, in other words. And, when a call arrives at EmergencyLink, they must verify that the caller is truly a first responder and that we (the enrollee) are really unable to respond to their calls, too. Couple that with the possibility that our ICE may not be around when the call comes (since that information is NOT provided to the first responder; instead ICE calls are made by EmergencyLink and it then puts the designated ICE contact in touch with the first responder). Or, that the emergency responder actually sees the card in your wallet or on your keychain. (It IS more likely to be seen if it locks your smartphone, however.)
Nevertheless, this is a useful tool in our arsenal to protect ourselves. Especially, when one considers a locked smartphone still needs to communicate emergency choices to the first responders.
Things like this become more important to me to research and understand as my circle of people to contact, who know my wishes have dwindled down to one. I have everything legally spelled out as I believe responsible adults should, but having that information some how in access to those who would need it I haven’t yet figured out. I’m going to look into this. I am a DNR person, and it will tick me off beyond belief if I reach escape velocity once only to have to do it again 😉 You are doing a great work her, Roy. Thank you!
Lisa Brandel recently posted..The Painted Lady by Lisa Brandel
We all want to know that, when the …. hits the fan, we’ll get the care we want and need. This is but one tool in that arsenal, Lisa.
I think its great. But people like my grandmother who might need this service don’t have a smart phone wouldn’t remember how to use a smart phone if she did. She has the “help I’ve fallen and can’t get up” system and it works. She has had to rely on it two times now and it has saved her life.
The smartphone is just something other than the card to carry. My guess is your grandmom doesn’t carry a phone, either. So, given that, the first responder would probably look for a “ICE” type card. Still, EmergencyLink is going to have to find a way to speed up the process, Shawn.
I guess I’m old school but feel like a piece of paper kept in the wallet or an engraved tag is safer. I for one would be completely lost to access some else’s phone for info. I can barely figure out how to use mine, lol.
Carolina HeartStrings recently posted..COLLECTING POSTCARDS
You may think it’s safer, Alessa- but it may not be faster, since it’s not the first thing that responders look for anymore. That’s the key issue!
I think Android read your post Roy! Just yesterday my smartphone (Droid Razr) received an upgrade message. After upgrading, I noticed now that even when my phone is locked, there is now a link at the bottom for Emergency Call and Emergency Contacts. you do not need to unlock the phone to access this.
I think it is a good idea to have a site like Emergency Link with your important information. But maybe they will iron out all the technology, devices and the way people can access information like this without compromising security and privacy.
Lynn Brown recently posted..3 Ways Small Business Owners Can Improve Confidence in Business
I’ll let you know if my new Samsung SIII will do so, too, Lynn (as soon as I get in my little hands…)
Yes, we need some means to protect ourselves- and to make the first responder’s jobs a little easier.
Who’s on first? LinkedIn is hacked. I don’t want to reach escape velocity only to get reeled back in either. Have my smartphone, please. What a mess technology has made and what blessings. Interesting post, Roy. I’ll probably be sorry for not doing something about all this.
Ann Mullen recently posted..Your Comfort Zone: Five Good Ways to Escape
I’m not sure LinkedIn is who one would call if 911 type help were needed, Ann 🙂 ….
But, we probably need something like this- that works well.
I love the concept and will have to check it out!
MuMuGB recently posted..How Short Is Too Short? The Story Of Fleur Pellerin’s Skirt
Do so, Muriel, for you AND your family. Thanks for the comment and visit.
Roy
Does it work solely with smart phones. My mom doesn’t have a smart phone; but she has a ICE contact stored and it is easily visible in case someone might need it to get in touch. However, despite everything, it seems like a good thing. Emergencies might come anywhere and you never know if you are alone or not; so yes, this might be hugely helpful.
I remember one girl in our college lost her life because no one knew she was diabetic. And when she fainted on the campus grounds on a hot summer afternoon, everybody thought it was low sugar levels and the emergency unit put her on glucose drips. That obviously peaked her sugar levels; seems like her fainting was due to the heat. They lost her on the way to the hospital. And her ICE didn’t know her health problems. So, one thing is definitely making sure you tell your ICE everything health issue you have.
Hajra recently posted..The Laziest Blogger Ever
it’s make for smart phones, computers, and paper. As I wrote to Michelle, we need to leave the proper breadcrumbs to insure that first responders can follow the right trail.
And, you second paragraph is EXACTLY why those breadcrumbs need to be found quickly and accurately, Hajra.
I think that’s a great idea. For anyone with allergies or taking medications, it’s so important for that info to be immediately accessible in whatever places first responders look.
Michelle recently posted..3 Simple Ways to Get More Traffic to Your Blog
You’re right, Michelle. We want the first responders to be able to respond quickly and properly. That means we have to leave them some breadcrumbs to find the proper trail.
Roy