Age Friendly Laois recently launched a new initiative called the ICE card which they hope will save lives.
The ICE (In Case of Emergency) card is designed to be carried on the person, in a wallet or purse.
It was conceived as an aid to first responders, in identifying a person and having access to vital information. It is particularly important if a person is non-responsive.
The card’s primary function is to provide valuable information to first responders such as: Name, Eircode, who to contact in case of an emergency, allergies, blood type and medication.
These details are to be filled in by the holder of the card and kept on the person.
The input of first responders such as the Gardai, the HSE, and the Fire service was sought as to what was the most important information to have in case of an emergency.
The secondary function of the card is to contain some useful contact numbers, such as Emergency Services, ESB Networks and Gas Networks Ireland.
The third function of the ICE card is to direct users of the card to a Community Information App – LocalHub.
Age Friendly Laois have a feed within this app, in which information regarding events, crime prevention advice and articles of interest are shared.
The App is divided into various service categories/geographical areas of Laois, for ease of use.
Councillor Barry Walsh, on behalf of Cathaoirleach Councillor Thomasina Connell, noted the importance of having this card and praised any initiative that could save precious time in the event of any emergency.
He also saw the value in a Community information app for the county, as a way of getting localised information.
Sergeant Graham Kavanagh said: “In all circumstances, Gardaí like all first responders, have a duty to preserve life and property.
“Unfortunately we all attend to situations where we find people gravely ill. Sometimes the individual is not able to communicate.
“The ICE card means that we have access to information to us as first responders and also to further services as required.”
Mr Declan Power, Chief Fire Officer, Laois County Fire & Rescue Service complimented the initiative.
He said: “The ICE card , along with your Eircode, are the two most important pieces of information to have in the event of an emergency & you or your loved ones needing assistance.”
Civil Defence Officer with Laois County Council, Mr Damien Dollard, also welcomed the initiative.
He said “When attending someone who requires medical assistance first responders and ambulance crews rely on a patient’s medical history such as medical conditions, allergies and a list of what medications someone is prescribed.
“Having this information easily to hand along with Eircode and who to contact in case of emergency will greatly assist first responders providing medical support to a patient.”
The cards are available from Age Friendly Laois and are also being distributed through Laois County Council’s Library Service, Laois Sports Partnership, Laois and Offaly Education & Training board, An Garda Síochána and Laois and Offaly Local Link, all of whom are members of the Laois Age Friendly Alliance.
For more information and to request ICE cards for your group or to find out more about Age Friendly Laois, contact Tom Curran on 05786 64150/ 086 0363426 or tcurran@laoiscoco.ie
Maureen Culleton, Geraldine Nolan, Pamela Tynan, Sr Barbara Rafter and Cllr Barry Walsh
Jason Hughes, Tom Jacob, James Furlong, John Corristine, James Browne, Barry Walsh, Emma O’Connor, John Mulholland, Paula Phelan 
SEE ALSO – New appeal launched for Laois properties to house Ukrainian people
