What are they and why do we ask for them?
If you have been on any of our coach trips, you will have been asked to provide an emergency contact (ICE) number. This is just in case an emergency arises on the day.
Most minor emergencies can be dealt with by a co-ordinated group effort and our u3a has a plethora of talented members who would respond immediately, should such an occasion arise. Golden Boy drivers are also trained to deal with any foreseeable emergency situations.
I have only ever needed to use an ICE number once and that was to arrange for an unwell participant to be picked up at the return coach stop rather than struggling home on their own. Hopefully we will never have to do more than this.
You may have ICE numbers already registered on your mobile phone. These are probably your next of kin and other family members.
For our outings, your ICE does not have to be your next of kin, who may be travelling with you or live nowhere near to Hertford, perhaps abroad. It should be a reliable person, family member, good mate, neighbour or even your travelling companion’s ICE number. BUT do ask them first and make sure they know enough about you to get in touch with your nearest and dearest, in the unlikely event of that being necessary.
I gather numbers before we leave on an outing to take with me and leave a copy of this list with a reliable ‘Hertford based’ u3a chum. This list will be deleted after everyone has returned safely. I have never yet needed to contact the Hertford chum.
If you have any questions about ICE numbers, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Liz Cooper