The Importance of Carrying an In Case of Emergency Card

Jan 25, 2013  /  By: Geoffrey H. Garrett, Estate Planning Attorney  /  Category: Elder Law, Estate Planning

We never know when we might be involved in a serious car accident, succumb to a medical emergency, or become a victim of a violent crime. If you are overcome by one of these situations, wouldn’t it be a comfort to know that emergency responders and health care providers had the information they required in order to save your life? And if they were unable to save your life, wouldn’t you want your loved ones to have the news of your passing be delivered as gently as possible? That is the purpose of an In Case of Emergency (ICE) card.

An ICE card usually contains the following information:

- Your name and contact information;

- Listing of any medical conditions with which you have been diagnosed;

- Listing of your known allergies;

- Name and contact information of the person(s) you wish to be contacted in an emergency;

- Name and contact information of your primary care physician;

- Name of your insurance provider, as well as your policy number.

Creating an ICE card is relatively simple and easy to do. There are some for-purchase websites that provide ICE cards that go into great detail, but there are also many free templates to be found online as well. One such website belongs to AAA, and it contains a free template that is easy to print and understand.

If you have not yet taken the time to create an ICE card, you should do so as soon as possible.

Byrd : Garrett, PLLC is a member of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys.


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