Book of Daze: National Emergency Contact Day

National Emergency Contact Day reminds Americans to check to see if the persons entrusted with their lives would currently accept a call from them.

This observance began when Marlene Edwards, 58, a real estate agent who deducts restaurant bread from her tip calculation, discovered that her emergency contact was a woman she had not spoken to since a disagreement over splitting a restaurant bill three years ago.

“She complained that I had ordered the most expensive items,” Edwards said. “I’m not sure I want her making decisions about my kidneys.”

A review by the National Association of Emergency Contacts (NAEC) found that many contacts had moved, remarried, died, or changed their numbers to  unlisted.

NAEC recommends observing emergency contact day by calling your emergency contact during business hours and determining whether the arrangement remains acceptable. Confirm telephone numbers, discuss medical preferences, and briefly explain anything they may have said in anger. Those receiving calls are encouraged to ask what the position entails before renewing.

“I assumed I’d be picking up a prescription,” said Dennis Bell, 63, a carpet estimator who measures his friends’ living rooms without being asked. “Now I’m deciding when to stop treatment for a man who still owes me eighteen dollars.”

Bell has requested a less demanding role, such as next of kin.

Marlene Edwards eventually reached her former friend, who agreed to remain her contact after they had settled the outstanding bill.

The payment cleared Tuesday. On Wednesday, Edwards received a revised agreement specifying that extraordinary measures would be billed separately.

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