From campgrounds, I am frequently walking in remote locations and away from civilization, not toward it. When I was younger, I was bulletproof; but with age comes wisdom, and with wisdom, caution. As an older walker, hiker, and biker, I know parts of me are constantly hurting, injured, or just quit working at the worst time. Accidents happen.
If some rogue mountain lion finds me on that beautiful shaded trail, I want the paramedics to know my name and next of kin. In emergency situations when you might be unable to respond, especially alone in remote areas, give the responders a place to start.
Three things you can do in case of an emergency:
ID bracelets
A ROAD iD bracelet is a great option for everyone. It is a stretch wrist bracelet with a metal plate engraved with your name, address, emergency contacts, and phone numbers, easily customizable online, with prices starting around $24. I chose the small, thin version thinking of comfort, but in an emergency, I need the person who finds me to be able to read really small print. They even offer a shoelace model. First responders look for medical bracelets first, so diabetics and people with severe allergies wear customized messages. Soldiers have dog tags for their emergency IDs, and when I head out and into harm’s way, I want mine also. BTW, they also have “dog tags” for your dogs.
There are many other emergency ID bracelets available on Amazon, too.
Smartphone emergency settings
Enable Emergency SOS on your smartphone under “Settings” then open and update your Health app (on iOS). This can be accessed by emergency responders even when your phone is locked and will also temporarily share your location using this app to call them. Store ICE (In Case of Emergency) contacts in your phone and make sure they are listed in your lock screen or widget if your phone allows it.
GPS devices and apps
Some GPS devices and apps have built-in emergency features that can share your location and medical information with emergency responders. Also regularly share your location with trusted contacts using apps that allow real-time location sharing.
I’ve always heard that bad things happen to good people, and I consider myself a pretty good person. When those bad things happen, I want to make sure they know my name and who to call!
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FYI. this is also available with Android. (Should do your homework when preparing for this type of article)
Hold down power button to access it and edit.
I apologize for the confusion. When I said “on your smart phone,” I meant ALL smart phones. My photo example was an iPhone screen. I should have shown examples for both.
Great ideas Steve Blume, I carry a laminated card in my wallet with emergency numbers on it, but you can lose a wallet. I really like the wrist band idea.
I have two medical alert bracelets from https://www.americanmedical-id.com/ which has many styles to choose from, including slides and even shoe tags. One of my bracelets can be opened to reveal a little insert, which can be replaced as needed. The other has a USB connection with emergency Word and PDF documents (will, do not resuscitate, etc.) [I’m not sure that American Medical ID still sells that type, though.] I also carry cards, including my willed body ones.
Thank you, Steve! 🙂 Done! 🙂 Have a great week, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂
“Dog Tags” are also available for people. All military personnel have pair! They list name, religion preference and blood type. Still have mine and wear if going flying. They can be custom made from various suppliers however – with address etc. Great article Steve and important info.
Wise suggestions.
I get the bracelet, but isn’t anything giving your info and location an invitation to crooks of a wide variety?