Our cell phones give us the modern convenience of access to emergency services almost anywhere. But, in the case of an emergency, first responders may arrive without knowing who you are, your medical conditions, or who to call.
You can store emergency information in the form of a digital medical ID on your mobile device, giving first responders secure access to pertinent medical information like your blood type, medications, and allergies, as well as your emergency contact information.
Digital medical cards carry several benefits over printed ones
- It’s always with you since you’re unlikely to forget your phone
- Data is easy to update (e.g. new medications, contact changes) without the need to re-print or carry extra paperwork
- Pertinent information is easily accessible to first responders even if phone is locked (not your messages, photos, private data)
Modern smartphones nearly always include a built-in “Medical ID” or “Emergency Info” feature, and a few third-party apps can expand that.
Set Up Built-in Medical / Emergency ID on a Phone
On iPhone (iOS):
- To set up your Medical ID on an iPhone, open the built-in Health app, then tap profile, then Medical ID.
- Fill in key fields including date of birth, medical conditions, allergies, medications, blood type, emergency contacts, organ-donor status, if desired.
- Make sure to enable “Show When Locked” (so Medical ID is visible even when phone is locked).
You can also enable “Share During Emergency Call” if so that if you call 911, your Medical ID may be securely transmitted to first responders without you having to take any extra action.
On Android phones:
- Many Android phones have a built-in “Emergency Info” or “Medical Info” section that you can access by going into your Settings, then Safety and Emergency or Emergency Info.
- Fill in similar details to those listed in the iOS Medical ID section such as allergies, medical conditions, blood type, medications, emergency contacts, etc.
- Make sure any “Show on Lock Screen” or “Emergency Info visible from lock screen” toggle is turned on (if available).
Although built-in features cover most needs, there are apps that offer additional features, such as Medical ID for Android, which lets you store detailed medical profiles, emergency contacts, medications, and more, and can add a widget or lock-screen shortcut for quick access.
What First Responders Can (and Can’t) See
- First responders and medical teams can’t just log into your phone and see all your data.
- Whether iPhone or Android, first responders or bystanders can tap “Emergency” on the lock screen, then “Medical ID,” and see only the medical and emergency information you have entered in your medical profile. They will not have access to texts, emails, photos, or other private data behind the lock.
- By enabling the “share during emergency call” feature within the phone’s medical ID settings, the phone may send the information to emergency services automatically during a 911 call on supported devices and in supported locations.
Keep Your Information Updated
- Medical conditions and medications change, so it’s a good practice to make sure your information stays up to date.
- Make sure to check and update your information regularly, whether on an annual schedule or even after every doctor appointment.
- If you’re the “tech wizard” of your family, consider setting up the emergency information on your loved ones’ phones so that they are protected if they ever need to dial 911 from their cell.
- And, though the digital ID is convenient, if your battery dies or your phone is lost, a physical card or note with critical medical data is still a good backup to keep in a wallet or on the fridge.
Make sure to share this article with a friend or family member who might not realize this simple step can make a big difference.
With a few minutes now, you can make sure first responders or even family have the critical information needed to get you the help you need as fast as possible.
