It’s something that you never want to happen, but if you do have an accident or become ill during a parkrun – or any other time when you are outdoors for that matter – how do people know who you are? Or who to contact to let them know what’s happened?
That’s why, when you first register with parkrun, you have the option to fill in your ICE (In Case of Emergency) details, providing the name and phone number of a person who can be contacted if anything ever happens to you. You can also record any medical conditions that you have. And of course, all information will be kept strictly confidential.
With millions of parkruns taking place each year, ICE details are invaluable for parkrun event directors if something does happen and they need to take care of someone who is not feeling well. It’s also a really good idea to have the barcode with you whenever you’re out, especially if you don’t have a phone with you, so that you have some form of identification on you.
Should anything happen to you – while at parkrun or in life in general – having readily accessible ICE details can be important. At parkrun, this information can be recorded in the system and the details will be automatically printed on your barcode. parkrun barcode tags are a great way to carry your details with you. They come in a pack of three identical tags. You can attach them to a key ring, your laces, a running top zip or you can wear them on a lanyard or chain. You can also buy wearable parkrun wristbands online.
Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi, parkrun Health Partnerships Lead said, “As a doctor, I can’t stress enough the importance of carrying In Case of Emergency details while participating in parkrun. These vital details ensure that, in the unlikely event of an emergency or accident, immediate and appropriate care can be provided. It’s a simple step that could save your life and it’s important to let other parkrunners know too.”
Over 90 percent of parkrunners have already saved their ice details. To update your profile online these are the steps to take:
- Visit parkrun.com/profile and login.
- Then choose the “Update” link at the top of the list.
- Add the name of the person who should be contacted in case of an emergency.
- Add the telephone number of your emergency contact.
- Then click on “Save Changes” to save your changes.
- Go back to your parkrun profile and click ‘Barcode’ to print off a new one and use it straight away.