Do you have ICE in your wallet?

In my last blog, I talked about how the summer is the busiest time for chaplains, because summer is the time for many traumatic accidents of one kind or another. Before I became a chaplain, I always assumed that bad weather like snow and rain were the times of the worst accidents. Maybe that never was true, or maybe it is because cars are so much safer than they used to be, but the worst accidents we see at the trauma center where I work involve motorcycles, bicycles, ATVs, and pedestrians. All of those are sunny-day activities. In fact, I greet a rainy day with gladness when I am headed to work at the hospital.

But just like the worst car injuries that we see are of people who got thrown from the car because they weren't wearing a seatbelt, the worst motorcycle, ATV, and bicycle accidents that we see are of people who aren't wearing a helmet. Even the small helmets that look like they came for WWII Germany, the helmets which are nicknamed "brain-catchers," do their job: they protect your brain.

I think that one of the best ways to live well - and long - and die well, is to be safety conscious. I think it is smart to use a safety line when you climb a tree, or make sure that your hunting blind is solid before you climb up into it. I think it is smart to throw you laundry down the stairs and then walk down after it holding on to the railing. I think it is smart to decide at some point that you are too old to climb on your roof, or put up your Christmas lights, or drive a car. And I really think it is smart to always fasten your seatbelt and always wear your helmet even if you are just going a few blocks.

And finally, as a chaplain, I wish that everyone would have ICE in their wallet and in their cell-phone. ICE means "In Case of Emergency." Many times I am working in the emergency room and we have an accident victim, but I don't know who to call. Often we have a wallet and know the name of the patient. The wallet may even have numerous phone numbers scribbled on small bits of paper or on the backs of business cards, but there is no indication which of those numbers is the right one to call. The most helpful cell-phones are the ones that give a name and then the relationship. My husband's name is Rob Hudson, but in my phone he is "Rob - husband." But having ICE listed in your wallet and phone is the best option because it not only lists the number to call, but also gives permission to make that call.

So, please take a minute right now, and put ICE and a phone number in your wallet and your phone. Then it will be there if the worst thing happens and you end up in an emergency room.

Be blessed, and be safe, Rev. Dori