In an emergency, every second counts.

But, if you’re unconscious or unable to speak, how will first responders know about any medical conditions you have or who to contact? You might not realise it, but your phone can be a lifesaving tool – if you’ve set it up correctly.

Can First Responders Access Your Emergency Information?

Imagine you’re in an accident or suddenly fall unconscious. First responders arrive and need to act fast. The sooner they can access critical medical details, the better care they can provide. Additionally, contacting a loved one quickly can provide responders with valuable details about your health.

Most smartphones allow you to set up an Emergency Medical ID that can be accessed directly from the lock screen.

How to Set Up Emergency Contacts & Medical ID on iPhone

If you have an iPhone, you can easily add medical information and emergency contacts:
1️⃣ Open the Health app.
2️⃣ Tap your profile picture and select Medical ID.
3️⃣ Tap Edit (top right).
4️⃣ Enter important medical details (e.g., conditions, allergies, medications).
5️⃣ Scroll down to Emergency Contacts and add your trusted contacts.
6️⃣ Enable Show When Locked to ensure first responders can access it.
7️⃣ Tap Done. Your information is now saved and accessible from your lock screen.

How to Set Up Emergency Contacts & Medical ID on Android

Android phones also have built-in emergency features:
1️⃣ Open Settings.
2️⃣ Tap Safety & Emergency (or Users & Accounts > Emergency Info).
3️⃣ Add your medical information and emergency contacts.
4️⃣ Ensure the option to Show Emergency Info on the Lock Screen is enabled.
5️⃣ Your information is now accessible to first responders when needed.

Why This Matters

Having this information available can be life-saving. If a paramedic or bystander checks your phone in an emergency, they can:
✔️ See your medical conditions, allergies, and medications to provide better care.
✔️ Contact your emergency contacts immediately, keeping your loved ones informed.
✔️ Make faster and more informed decisions about your treatment.

Setting up your Medical ID and emergency contacts takes just a few minutes – but it could make all the difference in an emergency. Take a moment today to set yours up and encourage your family and friends to do the same. It’s a simple step that could save a life.

See our INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN for more…