Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of ''ICE'' 'ICE' is the internationally recognised acronym for IN CASE of EMERGENCY.
I'm healthy with no known underlying health conditions , why would I need ICE-scan? Accidents and illness can affect anyone of us at any time and anywhere - in an emergency your ICE-scan Tags, when scanned with the FREE ICE-scan APP, will quickly 'talk' to the first on scene and to the Emergency Services. The APP’s integrated What3Words (W3W) feature means that anyone scanning your dedicated QR code on your Tag is able to provide the emergency operator with a precise incident location while the APPS EXPORT feature means that those in attendance, parrticularly qualified emergency responders, can share the patients details with relevant medical personnel such as Hospital Acciident & Emergency staff - huge features when time is at a diminishing premium.
Can I just scan the ICE-scan Tag with my device camera or a generic QR reader?
Yes you can use your device camera or a generic QR APP reader however, the fundamentally crucial W3W and EXPORT features are only visible when the tags are scanned with the ICE-scan App - we strongly recommend that you download the FREE ICE-scan APP using the buttons at the bottom of this page.
I’ve got my 'ICE' details are stored in my phone – why would I need ICE-scan? Sophisticated smartphone security prevents or, at best, seriously hampers quick access to vital medical and identity details while ‘open’ phones are vulnerable to theft of sensitive personal data, often taken without their owners knowledge. Any personal data stored on your device is vulnerable to unscrupolous theft. However, with their distinctive ‘Blue Star of Life’ logo, ICE-scan tags are consistent in appearance and so easily and quickly recognisable in an emergency, their securely held data is simple to access and placed on your smartphone, protective helmet, security pass or in a prominent place in the home (5 tags provides ample choice) then they will always be easy to find. Smartphone battery degradation, failure or accident damage are further issues to consider. What about emergency style wrist bands or high tech wearables? Low tech solutions have little or no storage capacity and provide very limited detail while the plethora of high tech devices vary widely in appearance, access and functionality, dangerous and unwelcome when time is at a premium. And while some devices employ Near Field Communication (NFC) access can operate without internet connectivity, the sensitive data that they hold can, as their functionality suggests, be easily compromised and without their wearers knowledge So, how easily can 'unscruplous' others see my personal details with ICE-scan? With great difficulty! The TAMPER EVIDENT upper layer of an ICE-scan Tag conceals access to patient details stored in the unique QR coding of the lower layer of the Tag. This protects your data from casual and unscrupulous viewing as your Tag needs to be visually scanned. Furthermore, ALL access, including self-editing of your personal ICE-scan data via the APP, is recorded and reported back to the email address with which you registered - and just like modern bank cards you have the facility to temporarily or permanently block any future access to your account.
How do emergency staff or first on scene access my details? Anyone with the FREE ICE-scan APP loaded on their smartphone or tablet can access and scan the revealed QR code on an ICE-scan Tag once they have removed the TAMPER EVIDENT upper layer – this allows the first on scene to report the initial emergency call and articulate the precise incident location and patient identification to the emergency operator or the professional emergency responder to liaise accurately with their hospital based colleagues.
Is internet access required to access my ICE-scan details? Mobile internet connectivity is supported by the rapid development in 5G coverage across the UK, Europe and beyond. Internet access provides swift access to the patients details but in rare instances where a mobile signal is compromised, the clear 2-part account detail above and below the unique QR code on the revealed lower layer of the Tag can be verbally articulated when reporting the incident or by on scene emergency responders to their Control or Hospital A&E colleagues.
How do I purchase my ICE-scan tags and is there an annual subscription? ICE-scan Tags are available via the ICE-scan APP by a once only payment, details can be found on our HOW THE APP WORKS page
When registering for your ICE-scan tags and for SECURITY, only your name, address and payment details are required initially - no financial data is held by ICE-scan as all transactions are handled by our payment agent, STRIPE. NO MEDICAL or PERSONAL details are required or requested at the point of registration and payment.How do I activate my ICE-scan account? Your ICE-scan tags will arrive a few days after your registration and purchase and include brief and clear activation details – only when your account has been activated will you then be able to add medical and personal detail to your account.
Do I need to upload my image to my ICE-scan account? Although not mandatory, uploading and maintaining a current image has clear benefits and is highly recommended
What happens if any of my medical or contact details change? Using the ICE-scan APP, simply sign in to your ICE-scan account with your personal security credentials, amend your details, save and log out - your details are immediately updated which you can check by scanning the revealed QR activation code on your master Tag sheet, this is the same code that is concealed on each of your Tags - of course, you will receive an email notifying that your account has been accessed.
What is the size of an ICE-scan tag? The tags measure approximately 22mm x 27mm
Further questions and comments about ICE-scan? Ongoing development and improvement of ICE-scan and how it serves our clients is of paramount importance to us and so we welcome your suggestions and questions via CONTACT US where we will acknowledge and respond to you within 24 hours.