This January as he climbed up a ladder to take down the Christmas lights and decorations he has displayed at his home each season for the past 25 years, PAMF Los Altos Center family medicine physician William Straw, M.D., lost his balance and plunged head first off of his roof and onto his front yard.

"Fortunately, I didn't lose consciousness. However, I quickly realized that my face was bleeding, something was wrong with my right eye, and I had severe pain in my lower chest and upper back," said Dr. Straw. "No one was home, and we live on a quiet cul-de-sac, but I did have my cell phone in my pants pocket!"

Because he had his cell phone, Dr. Straw was able to struggle through his pain and call 911 to report the accident and request emergency assistance. After being transferred to a local emergency response number, he reported the accident again, and a paramedic team soon arrived.

Although Dr. Straw has fully recovered from his long list of injuries (including a broken nose, fractured ribs and pelvis, and facial lacerations) and required surgeries, he has some tips for individuals who need emergency assistance:

• In the address book of your mobile phone, type in the acronym "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) followed by a contact name and number. If you have your mobile phone with you, this will allow the police or ambulance service to know who to contact in case of an emergency.
  
• Consider programming your local emergency service number into your mobile phone. If you are traveling, dial "411" to be connected to an operator, who can provide you with the local emergency response number.