If you have a vehicle accident and are incapacitated, it’s a good idea to have your ‘in case of emergency (ICE)’ details available. You can put this in your phone under ‘ICE’, but that requires someone to know your unlock code. There’s another way that you can give them to emergency services, even if you are unconscious: a QR code.
One UK-based company creates stickers with a QR code. These can be carried in your wallet, or affixed to your motorbike or cycle helmet. Check with the manufacturer of your helmet whether the glue on the sticker is compatible with your helmet type. They use a solvent-free, water-based acrylic adhesive conforming to British Standard BS 5609.
Try scanning this QR code with an app such as Qrafter and you’ll see that it brings up a photograph and a list of contacts and medical information (allergies, current medication and any relevant medical history, plus the doctor’s contact number). This can be duplicated in multiple languages and multiple photographs can be included. The company that makes the stickers can be contacted here.
If you are travelling to remote areas where internet is not likely to be available, a QR code can hold the equivalent of 4296 alphanumeric characters or, if you need letters with accents and tildes, 2953 characters. However, this depends on the size and resolution of the QR code image and the quality of the reader.
If you want to make your own QR codes try a website like Go QR. You can print one for your wallet. For the best readability and error correction keep the text as short as possible and the print a large as practical.
Darren is an expert on driving and transport, and is a member of the Institute of Advanced Motorists
