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Delaware State News
October 14th 2006
ICE device could be life saver
By Jenny Maher, Delaware State News DOVER — When someone is in an emergency health situation, swift and appropriate medical attention can mean the difference between life and death.
But if a doctor or emergency responder doesn’t know a patient’s medical history, such as health conditions and drug allergies, there is an increased risk of medical mistakes.
Rolf and Carol-Ann Harding, of Dover, believe they have the device needed to combat such errors — the ICE (In Case of Emergency) Drive.
The newly developed product is a handheld USB drive that houses a patient’s medical information. By plugging it into a computer, medical professionals can access a document containing the patient’s detailed health information and emergency contacts.
“It’s ideal for anybody,” Mrs. Harding said. “If for any reason anything happens and you’re taken to the emergency room, you don’t have to worry about miscommunication.”
The ICE Drive, which sells for $50, includes a blank document with medical and personal information forms that consumers can fill out on their computer.
The document is saved in plain text format so it can be read on Macs and PCs.
However, the forms can be filled out only on computers that run Microsoft Windows.
“It’s very easy to use,” Mrs. Harding said.
“All you do is click and it prompts you on what information to put in there.”
However, she realizes that many seniors — the age group perhaps most in need of the ICE Drive — might be hesitant to use the product because it requires some computer knowledge.
The Hardings said they are considering starting a service where they fill out the form for consumers, for a yet to be determined fee.
In addition to filling out medical and personal information, patients can upload their photo onto the drive.
This would help emergency responders identify a patient, Mr. Harding said.
And if patients can get their medical test results placed on a disk, they can upload those onto the drive.
The drive also allows patients to monitor their health, by giving them a place to record their weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and other information obtained at medical appointments. And, when allowed, patients can present their ICE Drive documents to medical office workers instead of filling out various patient forms before appointments.
The device is small, lightweight and can be worn around a patient’s neck or on a keychain, and has room for more information than a medic alert bracelet.
The ICE logo and the words “medical records” are printed on the front, making it easily identifiable to emergency responders.
The Hardings said their product fits in with the goals of the Information Technology for Health Care Quality Act and the Wired for Health Care Quality Act, federal bills aimed at lowering health care costs, cutting down on medical mistakes and transitioning toward paperless offices.
They said they believe strongly in their product and its ability to improve the health care system and prevent fatal errors.
“We will feel successful if we save one life,” Mr. Harding said.
Because the Hardings specialize in computer services and have no medical background, they consulted a doctor to ensure the quality and efficacy of their product.
Mr. Harding’s former family physician, Dr. Norman Knee, who is now a consultant with several insurance companies, expressed great confidence in the ICE Drive.
Because there are so many patients who have complex medical histories, take long lists of medicines and have drug allergies, he said it can be hard for them to remember all pertinent information when they go to the doctor’s, especially if they’re older and suffer from memory problems.
He considers the ICE Drive an effective solution.
“I think it’s fantastic, seriously,” he said. “In today’s world, when more offices are going toward electronic records, this will be a boon.”
After the Hardings started developing the ICE Drive, Dr. Knee said Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia came up with a similar tool — a CD that houses medical information. However, he described the Hardings’ product as “infinitely better.”
“It’s small and can be carried on a keychain, it plugs into computers, can be instantly upgraded and will hold more information,” he said.
The Hardings plan to visit local hospitals to show workers how to use their product, so there’s no confusion if a patient comes in with an ICE Drive.
But they said it’s so easy to use they don’t foresee any problems.
Patients can learn more about the ICE Drive or order it by visiting www.icedrive.info or calling 382-1502.
Copyright 2006 Delaware State News
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