How do I make someone an emergency contact?

Millions of people use their smartphones to store critical health and safety information, making it one of the most accessible resources for first responders in an emergency. This guide explains exactly how do I make someone an emergency contact on both your smartphone and through other important methods.

Quick Summary

Designating an emergency contact involves adding their details through your phone's built-in safety settings, like the Medical ID on an iPhone or the Safety & Emergency menu on an Android, to ensure they can be notified if a crisis occurs.

Key Points

• Smartphone Setup: Add emergency contacts on an iPhone via the Health app (Medical ID) or on an Android using the Safety & Emergency settings.

• Enable Lock Screen Access: For your phone-based emergency contacts to be useful to first responders, you must enable the 'Show When Locked' or equivalent setting.

• Choose Carefully: Select reliable, trustworthy individuals who are aware of their role and, ideally, know your medical history.

• Know the Limits: An emergency contact is not legally binding and cannot make medical decisions for you. A separate legal document, like a Healthcare Power of Attorney, is required for that authority.

• Use Multiple Methods: In addition to your phone, carry an ICE card in your wallet or wear a medical alert bracelet for critical information.

• Share Critical Information: Provide your emergency contacts with a list of your medications, allergies, and existing medical conditions to help first responders.

• Stay Updated: Review and update your emergency contacts and associated medical information periodically, especially after life changes.

Why Designating an Emergency Contact is Crucial

In a medical or mental health crisis, an emergency contact acts as a vital link between you and first responders. If you are unable to communicate, they can provide crucial information to medical personnel, including your health history, allergies, and medications. Beyond medical emergencies, having a designated contact is important in other unforeseen events, such as a car accident, natural disaster, or even if your phone is lost.

Having this information readily available on your phone's lock screen can save precious time when every second counts. It is also beneficial to have multiple contacts, in case your primary contact is unavailable.

How to Make Someone an Emergency Contact on an iPhone

Apple's Medical ID feature, found within the Health app, is the primary way to add and manage your emergency contacts and medical information.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Open the Health app: Tap the Health app icon on your home screen. It has a heart icon on a white background.
2. Go to your Profile: Tap your profile picture or initials in the upper right-hand corner.
3. Access Medical ID: Tap on 'Medical ID'. If you haven't set one up yet, tap 'Create Medical ID'.
4. Edit your information: Tap 'Edit' in the top right corner.
5. Add Emergency Contacts: Scroll down to the 'Emergency Contacts' section and tap the green plus icon to add a new contact.
6. Select from your Contacts: Choose a person from your existing contact list. You'll be prompted to specify their relationship to you (e.g., Parent, Spouse, Sibling).
7. Enable Lock Screen Access: For first responders to view this information without unlocking your phone, ensure the 'Show When Locked' toggle at the top of the Medical ID screen is turned on.
8. Save your changes: Tap 'Done' to finalize your selections.

How to Add an Emergency Contact on an Android Device

For Android users, the process is handled through the 'Safety & Emergency' settings, which can usually be accessed directly from the main Settings menu or a dedicated 'Personal Safety' app on newer devices.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Open Settings: Find and tap the Settings app, which typically looks like a gear icon.
2. Navigate to Safety & Emergency: Scroll down and tap on 'Safety & Emergency'. On some devices, you may find this under 'About phone' or require searching in the settings bar.
3. Find Emergency Contacts: Tap on 'Emergency contacts'.
4. Add your contacts: Tap '+ Add contact' and select the person from your phone's contacts list. You can add as many as you need.
5. Manage Lock Screen Visibility: Make sure your device is configured to display this information on the lock screen. In the 'Emergency contacts' section, there is often a setting to 'Allow Access to Emergency Info' when the phone is locked.
6. Review and Save: The changes are typically saved automatically once added.

The Difference Between an Emergency Contact and Legal Authority

It is vital to understand that an emergency contact has no legal authority to make medical decisions on your behalf. Their role is informational, not authoritative. To grant someone legal power to make healthcare decisions for you if you become incapacitated, you must legally designate them as a healthcare proxy or power of attorney.

Aspect	Emergency Contact	Legal Authority (e.g., Healthcare POA)
Purpose	To be notified and provide information to emergency personnel.	To make legally binding medical decisions on your behalf if you can't.
Designation	Can be informal (just adding to phone) or through official documents.	Requires a formal legal document, signed and witnessed.
Authority	No legal right to make decisions. Role is strictly informational.	Legally empowered to make specific healthcare decisions based on your wishes.
Information	Provides information like medical history, allergies, medications.	Access to full medical records and authority to discuss your care with doctors.
Responsibilities	Not obligated to act. Can be informed but may not be able to make choices.	Obligated to make decisions according to your stated wishes.

Choosing the Right Person

Selecting your emergency contacts is a decision that requires careful thought. Consider the following criteria:

• Reliability: Choose someone who is consistently reachable and responsive.
• Trust: Pick an individual you trust to act in your best interest and handle sensitive information discreetly.
• Knowledge of your History: Ideally, this person should know your medical history, including any chronic conditions, allergies, or medications you take.
• Proximity: While not always necessary, having a local contact can be beneficial for tasks like collecting children or caring for pets in an emergency.
• Communication: Have an open conversation with your chosen contact to ensure they are comfortable with the responsibility and understand what you'd like them to do in an emergency.

Beyond the Phone: Additional Methods

While phone-based emergency contacts are highly effective, it's wise to have backup methods, especially since phones can be damaged or run out of battery.

• Medical Alert Bracelet or Necklace: For individuals with chronic conditions or severe allergies, wearing a medical ID is a critical step. These often include a brief summary of a condition and a contact number.
• ICE (In Case of Emergency) Card: Carry a small, laminated card in your wallet with your emergency contact information, any major medical conditions, and allergies. Include your full name and date of birth.
• Workplace or School Records: Ensure your contact information is up-to-date with your employer or your children's school. They have specific protocols for emergencies.
• Home Emergency Plan: Create a printed list of emergency contacts, including family, doctors, and neighbors, and place it in a visible location like on the refrigerator.

Conclusion

Taking the time to set up your emergency contacts is a simple yet profoundly important step in personal safety and preparedness. Whether you use the Medical ID on an iPhone, the Safety & Emergency settings on an Android, or a combination of methods, ensuring a trusted person can be reached in a crisis provides invaluable peace of mind. By having clear communication with your contacts and providing them with essential information, you empower them to act effectively on your behalf when you cannot. A robust emergency plan, including both digital and physical records, is your best defense against the unexpected. For more information on general emergency preparedness, consult an authoritative source such as the emergency preparedness guide from the CDC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an emergency contact the same as a legal next of kin?

No, an emergency contact is not legally the same as your next of kin. They have no legal authority to make medical decisions for you. Their role is to be a point of contact to notify your family or other responsible parties during an emergency.

Can I have more than one emergency contact?

Yes, it is highly recommended to have more than one emergency contact. You can designate multiple people on both an iPhone and an Android phone, which increases the likelihood that someone can be reached in a crisis.

What medical information should I include with my emergency contacts?

You should include any pre-existing medical conditions, allergies, current medications, blood type (if known), and any other pertinent medical notes. This information is crucial for first responders and can be life-saving.

How do first responders access my emergency contacts on my locked phone?

On an iPhone, first responders can swipe to the passcode screen, tap 'Emergency', and then tap 'Medical ID'. On an Android, they can tap 'Emergency call' on the lock screen and then 'View Emergency Info'. This only works if you have enabled the 'show on lock screen' feature during setup.

Should I tell the person that I made them an emergency contact?

Yes, you should always inform and ask your chosen contact if they are comfortable with the role. This ensures they are aware of their responsibilities and prepared to act if needed.

Does being an emergency contact make me financially responsible for medical bills?

No, being an emergency contact does not make you financially responsible for another person's medical bills. Your role is limited to being a point of contact for information and notification.

What if I don't have a smartphone?

If you don't have a smartphone, you should carry a physical 'ICE' (In Case of Emergency) card in your wallet with your emergency contact's details and any critical medical information. Wearing a medical alert bracelet is also highly recommended for those with significant health concerns.