A simple necessity that everyone should have on their person

[Huntsman]

I have carried one for two years and am surprised by the amount of people that do not carry one its quite simple really. Effectivly it's a waterproof USB stick, that I have written EMERGANCY DETAILS on. On this memory stick I have files containing:
- name
- date of birth
- blood type
- religion
- emergency contact numbers
- any medical conditions
And In a password protected file
- copy of my passport
- birth certificate
- drivers license
- degree, masters and PHD
And my bank account details
Just an idea, that I keep in my back pocket

[seboss]

I carry one as part of an EDC with documentation copied onto it, passport, national insurance etc, but didn't really think of the ICE details, nice touch! Will be adding those details tonight!

[Chef]

[Huntsman]

I do see the problem with passwords, but me being me, I put a lot of research Into it, my solution is not really practical for everyone but I don't want my reputation being put in harms way. So I use this

http://www.advansysperu.com/usb-lock-re ... otect.html

If needs be I can remotely delete the files, I wouldn't recommend it to the average person it's really not neccesary, but I had time to waste, if you want to password protect it without software, I recommend chef's way. Good advice to chef, I may use a different method of password protection like you suggested. Thanks, huntsman

[Chef]

[KalPrep]

I use IronKey for mine, only because I got em free at conferences

[Ian]

There were a number of emergency memory sticks available a few years ago like:

http://www.usbmemorysticks.net/usb-medical-flash-drives

Some even had simple databases included to organise your information.

I thought it a brilliant idea until I talked to first responders and hospital staff who all, without exception, said that they would not and could not use them as all their available computers were locked out to avoid virus or trojan contamination and it was a sackable offence to even try. So when needed the information could not be accessed.

I think they will be useful for your own peace of mind in case your home burns down but should you not have an off site backup anyway? I carry similar information, important to me, on my iPod under secure encryption but only for my own convenience.

By the bye, having your blood grouping available is pointless as NHS policy is that any such information (even tattooed on) must be ignored and that you will be grouped as routine before being given blood. A mistake is too costly to make.

[the-gnole]

I must remember to "I.C.E." my phone sometime, haven't done this phone yet

[ticklemonkey]

Mmmm, great in principle to keep your own personal details for your future reference but the emergency services will very, very rarely have the facility to read it in a life-threatening situation and also the Data Protection Act applies and so they will be unlikely to open it for fear of being sued (yes, to save life it can be bypassed but why will I as an individual risk it and have to face a court?).
Also, there is the fear of their device potentially picking up a virus.

Mobile phones are the same but there is a more reasonable reason/excuse to defend oneself saying 'Idid it to get next of kin details which may lead to information that will save life this is less so with a USB due to the lack of instant communication of essential information.

The joys of living in a litigious society (per head UK sues more than the USA)!
A card in the wallet with key emergency info. like next of kin is very valuable!

[Chef]