In an emergency—especially if you are unresponsive—allowing a medical professional to access your digital medical ID can save your life by providing crucial details about your medical history. Here’s a quick rundown about how to set one up on your phone.
Using the iPhone’s Medical ID
Apple’s iPhones have a built-in medical ID that makes it possible for first responders and medical professionals to access your health information even if your phone screen is password-protected.
Using the iPhone Health app, you can tap on medical ID, select get started or edit, and enter all your relevant information, including major allergies and medical conditions. You can also enter emergency contacts into your health app.
After an emergency call to 911 ends, your iPhone will notify your emergency contacts via text (unless you choose to cancel the notification). Your iPhone will also send your emergency contacts and updates on changes in your location (such as if you are transported to a hospital via ambulance).
Show When Locked Setting
To ensure that first responders and medical professionals can view the information in your digital medical ID, make sure to turn on the Show When Locked and Emergency Call option in your health app. That way, the first responder can access your digital medical ID by swiping up or pressing the Home button, selecting emergency on the passcode screen, and tapping on medical ID.
Apple’s website has an easy step-by-step tutorial to follow as well.
Physical ID as Backup
A great backup plan is to wear a physical medical ID bracelet or necklace with crucial information as well. A first responder may be unable to locate your phone in an emergency setting or not realize that you have information on your phone.
Make sure to include major medical conditions (such as diabetes, heart conditions, etc.) and allergies on your medical ID.
In addition to listing crucial information, your medical ID can state that crucial information appears on your phone so that people know to check your phone for more information.
The many different options for physical and medical ID bracelets and necklaces available at American Medical ID make it easy to find your perfect ID and ensure that you are protected no matter what happens.
