How do you make someone an emergency contact? A complete guide

According to some health experts, a surprisingly small percentage of people have set up emergency information on their smartphones. Learning how do you make someone an emergency contact is a simple yet crucial step everyone should take to ensure that, in an emergency, medical personnel and loved ones can access vital information quickly.

Quick Summary

Making someone an emergency contact typically involves using your phone's built-in health or safety features to add specific individuals whose information will be accessible from your device's lock screen. This process is a vital component of personal safety and emergency preparedness for all individuals.

Key Points

• Access on Lock Screen: Both iPhone (Health App) and Android (Safety & Emergency) allow contacts to be accessed without unlocking your phone, which is critical for first responders.

• Use Native Features: The most reliable way to set up an emergency contact is by using your phone's pre-installed health or safety features, not third-party apps.

• Obtain Permission: Always ask a person if they are willing to be your emergency contact before designating them. This ensures they are aware and can act appropriately.

• Include Multiple Contacts: Designating at least two reliable emergency contacts is a best practice, as it increases the chances of reaching someone quickly.

• Understand Legal Differences: An emergency contact is for notification only and does not hold legal decision-making authority. This is distinct from a legal next of kin.

• Supplement with Alternatives: Consider backup methods like a physical ICE card or medical alert jewelry for situations where your phone is inaccessible.

Why Setting Up an Emergency Contact is Essential

In a medical or personal emergency, you might be incapacitated or unable to communicate. Having pre-set emergency contacts on your phone, accessible from the lock screen, allows first responders to immediately notify your family or friends. This can save critical time and provide peace of mind that your loved ones will be informed and involved.

How to Set Up an Emergency Contact on an iPhone

For iPhone users, the process is managed through the native Health app. This also creates a Medical ID, which can contain vital health information like allergies, medical conditions, and blood type, in addition to your emergency contacts.

1. Open the Health App: Find and tap the Health app, which comes pre-installed on all iPhones.
2. Navigate to your Profile: Tap your profile picture or initials in the top-right corner of the app.
3. Find and Edit Medical ID: Select “Medical ID” from the list, then tap "Edit" in the top-right corner.
4. Ensure Lock Screen Visibility: Scroll to the top and make sure “Show When Locked” is toggled on. This is the most crucial step for ensuring first responders can access the information.
5. Add Emergency Contacts: Scroll down to the “Emergency Contacts” section and tap the "add" button. Select a contact from your address book, and then specify their relationship to you (e.g., spouse, parent, friend).
6. Add Additional Contacts and Save: You can add multiple contacts. When finished, tap "Done" to save your changes.

How to Set Up an Emergency Contact on an Android

On Android devices, the process is handled through the "Safety & Emergency" settings, which may be located differently depending on the phone's manufacturer and Android version. Newer versions often have a dedicated "Safety" app.

1. Open Settings: Tap the gear-shaped icon to open your phone's settings.
2. Find Safety & Emergency: Scroll down to find the "Safety & Emergency" option. On some phones, you may need to search for it using the search bar at the top of the settings menu.
3. Access Emergency Contacts: Tap "Emergency contacts." You may be prompted to sign in with your Google account or proceed without one.
4. Add a Contact: Tap "Add contact" and choose the person you want to designate from your phone's contacts list. You can add more than one contact.
5. Add Medical Information (Optional but Recommended): In the same "Safety & emergency" menu, you can also add medical information. This is where you can list allergies, medications, and medical conditions.
6. Confirm Lock Screen Access: Ensure the setting to show emergency info on the lock screen is enabled. This is usually managed within the "Emergency information access" settings.

Choosing the Right Emergency Contacts

When you make someone an emergency contact, you are entrusting them with a very important role. Here are some best practices for choosing wisely:

• Get Permission First: Always ask a person if they are comfortable with being your emergency contact. This ensures they are aware and prepared.
• Choose Reliability: Select people who are readily available and likely to answer a call in a crisis. Think about their lifestyle and how easily they can be reached.
• Designate More Than One: Have at least two emergency contacts in your list. This increases the chances that someone can be reached if your primary contact is unavailable.
• Select Based on Proximity: Consider adding someone who lives or works close to you, such as a trusted neighbor or coworker, as they might be able to respond more quickly.
• Keep it Up-to-Date: Life changes, and so should your emergency contact list. Review and update your contacts at least once a year.

Alternatives and Considerations

While using your smartphone is the most common method, other options are available. These can serve as backups or are more suitable for certain situations.

• Physical ICE Card: A physical card in your wallet with the heading "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) and a list of contacts. This is useful if your phone is damaged or uncharged.
• Medical Alert Jewelry: Bracelets or necklaces that display your most critical medical conditions and a contact number are great options for individuals with specific health needs.
• Lock Screen Wallpaper: Some people set their phone's lock screen background to an image with their ICE information. This is a low-tech but effective solution.
• HIPAA and Your Privacy: Healthcare providers can share information with emergency contacts without violating HIPAA if the patient is incapacitated. If you are conscious, they must respect your wishes regarding disclosure. It is wise to have a conversation with your contacts about what medical information you are comfortable with them knowing.

Understanding the Difference: Emergency Contact vs. Next of Kin

It's a common misconception that an emergency contact has the legal authority of a "next of kin." It's important to understand the distinction.

Feature	Emergency Contact	Next of Kin
Designation	Explicitly named by you (on your phone, etc.).	Legally defined based on familial relationships (spouse, child, parent).
Role	To be notified in an emergency, provide information, and offer support.	Can make medical decisions on your behalf if you are incapacitated (dependent on jurisdiction and advanced directives).
Legal Authority	None, unless separately appointed via legal documents (e.g., healthcare proxy).	Significant legal authority in many situations, including medical decisions and inheritance matters.

It is strongly recommended to also have a healthcare proxy or advanced directive in place if you wish for a specific individual to make medical decisions for you. Your emergency contact has no legal right to do so unless you have designated them through a separate, legally binding document. For more information on legal healthcare designations, you can consult with a reputable legal resource or organization like the National Institutes of Health.

Conclusion

Making someone an emergency contact is a fundamental aspect of personal safety that can have profound consequences in a crisis. By taking a few minutes to set up your phone's built-in features, or by using alternative methods, you can ensure that help can reach you and that your loved ones are informed. The process is simple, but the peace of mind it provides is invaluable. Regular updates and open communication with your designated contacts will make this life-saving system as effective as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an emergency contact and why is it important?

An emergency contact is a person designated to be notified in the event of an emergency. It is important because it allows first responders to quickly reach a loved one, especially if you are incapacitated, and provides access to critical medical information.

How do I make someone an emergency contact on an iPhone?

On an iPhone, you can designate an emergency contact through the pre-installed Health app. Go to your Medical ID, tap 'Edit,' and then add your chosen contacts from your address book, making sure the 'Show When Locked' option is enabled.

What are the steps to add an emergency contact on an Android phone?

For most Android phones, you can add an emergency contact by going to 'Settings,' selecting 'Safety & emergency,' and then tapping 'Emergency contacts.' You will be able to select contacts from your phone's list.

Can I have more than one emergency contact?

Yes, it is highly recommended to have more than one emergency contact. Many devices and platforms allow you to list multiple contacts, which is a good strategy in case your primary contact is unreachable.

Is an emergency contact the same as next of kin?

No, an emergency contact is not the same as next of kin. An emergency contact is for notification purposes, while next of kin is a legally defined familial relationship that often comes with the authority to make medical or legal decisions if you are unable to.

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

Yes, you should always inform and ask for permission from the person you wish to designate as your emergency contact. This ensures they are aware of their role and are prepared to respond in a crisis.

What if my emergency contact moves or changes their phone number?

It is important to review and update your emergency contact information regularly, such as once a year or whenever a life event occurs. This ensures your information remains accurate and effective.