When accidents occur in Bloomington, Illinois, the victims' emergency contacts are extremely important. Too often, those involved aren't able to provide rescuers with phone numbers and medical information.

When Illinois police and rescue workers must sift through pockets, glove compartments, wallets, purses and cell phone directories, they waste precious time.

In the unfortunate event that you are involved in an accident, you have people in the Bloomington, Illinois, area who you'll want to be contacted to arrange help, give consent to treatment and inform Bloomington paramedics of medical conditions, allergies or medications.

A brilliantly simple solution is now spreading through Bloomington and around the globe: ICE. ICE – standing for In Case of Emergency – is a way to identify emergency contacts in your cell phone directory.

Simply put 'ICE' before a contact name in your cell phone, like 'ICE – Dad,' 'ICE – Nancy.' or 'ICE – Doctor Roberts.' Rescuers will be able to quickly identify your emergency contacts, saving valuable time.

Bob Brotchie, a Cambridge, England, paramedic came up with the idea and a promotional campaign in England in 2005. This idea is gaining attention in Bloomington, Illinois, and in other countries. Bloomington rescue workers all know of how many times they are unable to find a wallet or purse on an accident victim, yet most Bloomington area folks over 14 years of age are seldom without their cell phone.

There are national and worldwide disaster databases, but participation can cost up to $200 a year. 'ICE' is free to the 276 million cell phone users in the U.S.

It is easy for you and your families to designate some ICE contacts in your cell phone. Remember to keep the listings current.

Please join Tuffy Bloomington in getting the word out. Help us put Bloomington, Illinois, on ICE!

Tuffy Bloomington
1505 East Vernon Avenue
Bloomington, Illinois 61701
309.662.0537