Adding an emergency contact on your smartphone
Having your emergency contact information readily available on your phone's lock screen is one of the most important things you can do for your personal safety. This information can be accessed by first responders without needing your passcode, saving precious time in a critical situation. Below are the steps for the most common mobile operating systems.
For iPhone users (via the Health app)
- Open the Health app: This app comes pre-installed on all iPhones.
- Navigate to your Medical ID: Tap your profile picture in the top-right corner, then tap 'Medical ID'.
- Edit your Medical ID: Tap 'Edit' in the top-right corner. You may need to enter your passcode.
- Add emergency contacts: Scroll down to the 'Emergency Contacts' section and tap the '+' button next to 'Add Emergency Contact'.
- Select a contact: Choose a person from your contacts list. You will be asked to specify their relationship to you (e.g., Mother, Spouse, Friend).
- Review and save: After adding all necessary contacts, tap 'Done' to save your changes. Ensure 'Show When Locked' is toggled on at the top of the Medical ID screen to make it accessible from the lock screen.
For Android users (via Safety & Emergency settings)
- Access Safety & Emergency: Open your phone's Settings app and search for 'Safety & Emergency'. On some phones, this may be in 'About phone' or a dedicated 'Safety' app.
- Go to Emergency Contacts: Within the Safety & Emergency menu, find and tap on 'Emergency contacts'.
- Add your contact: Tap '+ Add contact' and select the desired person from your phone's contacts list. You might be asked to specify their relationship.
- Confirm visibility: Many Android devices will display a notice confirming your emergency contacts are visible from the lock screen. You may need to enable this setting if it isn't already.
- Save changes: Tap 'Save' or 'Done' to finalize your selections.
Important considerations when adding contacts
Simply adding a contact is only the first step. To make your emergency plan truly effective, you need to consider who you add and what information they can provide. A well-prepared emergency contact can be a lifeline for first responders and family members alike.
- Choose wisely: Select at least two people you trust, are reliable, and can be easily reached. They should also be someone who can speak knowledgeably about your health.
- Involve your contacts: Talk to the people you list. Let them know they are your emergency contact and discuss what they should do if they receive a call. Providing them with a brief overview of your medical history can be immensely helpful.
- Include local and distant contacts: It is beneficial to have at least one local contact who can arrive quickly if needed, as well as a family member who might live farther away but has deeper knowledge of your medical history.
Beyond your phone: other places for emergency contacts
Your smartphone is not the only place where you can and should store emergency contact information. Using a multi-pronged approach ensures that no matter the situation, a first responder has a way to reach someone who can help.
Medical ID tags and bracelets
For those with chronic medical conditions, allergies, or other significant health concerns, a medical alert bracelet or tag is highly recommended. These provide immediate, visible information to anyone assisting you. Brands like MedicAlert also offer comprehensive databases accessible by emergency services.
Government records (driver's license, DMV)
Many state motor vehicle departments have systems that allow you to register emergency contact information securely. Law enforcement and emergency services can access this information during an incident. Check your local DMV or equivalent website for details on how to add or update your emergency contact info.
Workplace and school records
Ensure your emergency contact information is up-to-date with your employer's HR department and your school's administration. This is crucial for incidents that occur while at work or on campus. Different organizations have their own procedures for this, so be sure to inquire.
Comparison of emergency contact platforms
This table outlines the key features and differences between common places to store emergency contact information.
| Platform | Accessibility | Information Visibility | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smartphone Medical ID | Lock screen, without unlocking | Highly visible to first responders | Immediate digital access to medical info and contacts |
| Medical Alert Jewelry | On-person at all times | Visible to anyone, often linked to database | Constant visibility for specific medical needs |
| Government Records (DMV) | Secure, accessed by law enforcement | Controlled access by authorized personnel | Reach family even if personal devices are unavailable |
| Workplace/School Records | Accessed by authorized staff | Internal to the organization | Covers emergencies during work or classes |
Conclusion
Taking a few moments to properly configure and update your emergency contacts is a simple, yet powerful act of self-care. It empowers you and your loved ones by providing a safety net in the event of a sudden health crisis or accident. By utilizing your smartphone's built-in features and exploring other platforms like medical ID jewelry and government records, you can ensure that help is always just a moment away. Remember to talk with the people you designate, update your information periodically, and review all platforms to provide the most complete and accessible information possible. You can learn more about general emergency preparedness by visiting the Ready.gov website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I have more than one emergency contact?
A: Yes, it is highly recommended to have more than one emergency contact. Having multiple contacts ensures that if your primary contact is unreachable, another trusted person can be notified and act on your behalf.
Q: Do I need to tell my emergency contact that I added them?
A: Yes, you should absolutely inform your emergency contacts. This ensures they are aware of their role, understand your wishes, and know where to find important information if needed.
Q: How can I make my emergency contacts visible from a locked phone screen?
A: On both iPhone and Android, you must enable a setting within the Medical ID or Safety & Emergency section. This often involves a toggle switch for 'Show When Locked' or 'Show on Lock Screen'.
Q: What other information should I add besides contacts?
A: In your phone's Medical ID or Safety settings, you can often add crucial details like medical conditions, allergies, current medications, blood type, and organ donor status. This information is vital for first responders.
Q: What if I have an older phone model?
A: Even older phone models often have a way to set an 'ICE' (In Case of Emergency) group in the contacts app or a specific setting for emergency information. If not, consider using a medical ID bracelet or a physical card in your wallet.
Q: How often should I update my emergency contacts?
A: You should review and update your emergency contacts whenever you have a significant life change, such as a new health diagnosis, new medication, or changes in your relationship with a contact. A good rule of thumb is to check annually.
Q: Can emergency services access my emergency contacts on a locked phone?
A: Yes, on modern smartphones, emergency services can access your designated emergency contacts and medical information directly from the lock screen, without needing to unlock your device. They are trained to look for this feature.
