Cards to aid in emergencies

A PILOT project, believed to be the first in Ireland, was launched in West Cork yesterday aimed at providing 30,000 people with special cards which will contain contact numbers for close relatives or friends in case a person is involved in an accident or medical emergency.

The ICE [In Case Of Emergency] project was launched by Noel Brett, chief executive of the Road Safety Authority, who said that he was delighted to support what was a simple, yet practical initiative.

While younger people will be encouraged to key in ICE-prefix numbers to their mobiles, a lot of older people who don’t have such phones will be asked to fill in the card and keep it in their purse or wallet.

The project is a joint initiative between the gardaí in West Cork, Muintir Na Tíre’s Community Alert and local credit unions.

“Nobody sets out on a journey expecting to become involved in a serious crash, but unfortunately it is a possibility. By adding a number to your mobile phone, or having the card it will made the job of the emergency services a little easier,” Mr Brett said.

Diarmuid Cronin, Muintir na Tíre community development officer, said the ICE system would be of benefit to all age groups and to people living alone.

“The emergency services will have instant access to crucial contact information which may help the person get immediate attention,” Mr Cronin said.

The board of directors of eight credit unions have sponsored the project and speaking on their behalf, Finbarr Barry, said it showed their commitment to social responsibility.