How do I put someone down as an emergency contact? A Comprehensive Guide

According to a 2023 survey, only 23% of Americans have a comprehensive emergency plan, making it crucial to know how to put someone down as an emergency contact across various platforms, from your phone to your medical files. Taking this simple step ensures that in a crisis, vital information can be accessed quickly.

Quick Summary

Designating an emergency contact involves updating your smartphone's 'Medical ID' or 'Safety & Emergency' settings, informing your healthcare provider, and providing the information to your employer or other relevant organizations. This ensures that a trusted individual can be reached quickly in case of an accident or illness. Always notify your chosen contact and keep the information current.

Key Points

• Update your phone's lock screen: Use your smartphone's built-in Medical ID (iPhone) or Safety & Emergency (Android) feature to display your emergency contacts and medical information without needing a password.

• Inform your healthcare providers: Ensure your doctor's office, hospital, and other medical facilities have your current emergency contact and medical information on file.

• Complete workplace forms: Provide your emergency contact details to your employer, typically through the HR department, for use in a workplace emergency.

• Notify your chosen contacts: Always speak with the person you designate as an emergency contact to ensure they are aware and willing to take on the responsibility.

• Maintain and update regularly: Review and update all your emergency contact information annually, or whenever your personal details or relationships change.

• Consider multiple contacts and a physical copy: List at least two emergency contacts and carry a physical card with this information in your wallet as a backup.

• Discuss responsibilities: Ensure your emergency contacts know your wishes regarding medical care and who else to inform in case of an incident.

Designating Emergency Contacts on Your Smartphone

Your smartphone is often the first place emergency responders will look for contact information. Setting up your "In Case of Emergency" (ICE) details on your phone's lock screen can be a life-saving measure, allowing first responders to access crucial information without unlocking your device.

For iPhones (Health App)

Setting up your Medical ID is simple and allows your emergency information to be viewed from the lock screen. This information includes emergency contacts, allergies, medical conditions, and blood type.

1. Open the Health app: This app comes pre-installed on all iPhones.
2. Access your Profile: Tap your profile picture or initials in the upper-right corner.
3. Navigate to Medical ID: Select 'Medical ID', then tap 'Edit' in the top-right corner.
4. Add Emergency Contacts: Scroll down to the 'Emergency Contacts' section and tap the green plus (+) icon. Select the contact from your list and specify your relationship to them. You can add multiple contacts.
5. Enable Lock Screen Access: Crucially, ensure 'Show When Locked' is enabled at the top of the Medical ID screen. This makes your information accessible to first responders.

For Android Devices (Safety & Emergency Settings)

Most modern Android phones have a built-in feature for emergency information, though the specific names may vary by manufacturer. This is often accessible through the Settings menu or a dedicated Safety app.

1. Open Settings: Tap the gear icon to open your phone's settings.
2. Find 'Safety & Emergency': Scroll down and tap on this option.
3. Add Emergency Contacts: Tap 'Emergency contacts' and then 'Add member' or a similar option. Select the person from your contacts list.
4. Show on Lock Screen: Make sure the setting to display this information on the lock screen is enabled. This will allow anyone who finds your phone to see your emergency contacts without a password.

Informing Your Healthcare Providers and Family

Beyond your phone, it is vital to have your emergency contacts and medical information documented in other places. This includes your doctor's office, hospital, and with family members who can act on your behalf.

How to Update Your Medical Records

• At Your Doctor's Office: During your next visit, explicitly ask to update your emergency contact information in your patient file. Provide their full name, relationship to you, and phone number.
• At the Hospital: When admitted to a hospital, you will be asked for emergency contacts during the intake process. Confirm this information and ask if it is logged for future reference. Many hospitals also have patient portals where you can update this information yourself.
• Legal Documents: For more serious situations, consider having a healthcare power of attorney or advanced healthcare directive. This gives a designated person the legal authority to make medical decisions for you if you become incapacitated.

Communicating with Your Emergency Contact

It is a common oversight to add someone as a contact without their knowledge. Always inform the person you've chosen and confirm they are willing to serve in this role. Give them a heads-up and a quick overview of your medical history, as they may need to provide this information to medical professionals.

Providing Information at the Workplace and Other Organizations

For many, a significant portion of the day is spent at work. Providing your employer with your emergency contact information is a standard part of onboarding and is critical for workplace safety.

Employer Emergency Contact Forms

• Human Resources: Most companies have an HR department that manages employee information. Update your emergency contacts during annual reviews, health assessments, or whenever your personal details change.
• What to Include: Provide your primary and a secondary contact. Include their name, relationship to you, and best contact number(s). You can also provide specific medical information with your consent.

Other Organizations

Consider any other groups you are a part of that might need this information, such as schools, gyms, or travel companies. Providing this ensures a wider safety net.

Comparing Methods for Designating Emergency Contacts

It's beneficial to use a multi-pronged approach to ensure your information is accessible in various scenarios. Here is a comparison of common methods:

Method	Accessibility	Data Scope	Portability	Need for Maintenance	Best Use Case
Smartphone	High (lock screen access)	Medical ID, multiple contacts, allergies	Excellent (always with you)	Moderate (confirm contacts still valid)	Immediate first responder access
Medical Records	Medium (requires hospital/clinic access)	Comprehensive medical history, specific directives	Low (data is siloed by provider)	Low (updated during visits)	Hospital care, comprehensive medical needs
Workplace HR	Low (internal use only)	Basic contact info, consent for medical info	Very Low (tied to employment)	Moderate (annual updates)	Workplace accidents or emergencies
Wearable Tech	High (always visible)	Basic medical info, emergency contacts	Excellent (worn at all times)	High (confirm contact and info is current)	Outdoor activities, solo travel

Finalizing and Maintaining Your Emergency Contacts

Simply putting the information down is not enough. To create a robust safety net, you must also maintain it.

The Importance of Regular Updates

Circumstances change. People move, phone numbers are updated, and relationships evolve. Make it a practice to review and update your emergency contact information annually, or whenever a major life event occurs, such as a change in marital status or moving to a new city.

Creating a Physical Record

While digital is convenient, a physical copy is a reliable backup. You can create a simple, printed card with your name, medical conditions, and emergency contacts. Keep this card in your wallet, purse, or taped inside a kitchen cabinet. A visible, printed list at home can also be helpful for family members or visitors in an emergency.

Communicating Beyond the Primary Contact

It's a good idea to discuss an emergency plan with your secondary contacts and other family members. This ensures that even if your primary contact is unreachable, others know the next steps. For example, you can tell your spouse about your secondary contact so they know who to call if they can't get a hold of the first person.

By taking these simple yet critical steps, you can significantly improve your safety and ensure that you are prepared for unexpected health events. Remember, it's not just about listing a name; it's about building a reliable support system for when you need it most. For more information on health preparedness, see the resources provided by the Department of Health and Human Services here: https://www.hhs.gov/

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I add an emergency contact to an iPhone?

To add an emergency contact to an iPhone, open the Health app, tap your profile picture, go to 'Medical ID,' tap 'Edit,' scroll to 'Emergency Contacts,' and tap 'Add Emergency Contact.' You must also enable 'Show When Locked' to make it accessible.

How do I add an emergency contact to an Android phone?

On most Android phones, you can add emergency contacts by going to 'Settings,' then 'Safety & emergency.' Select 'Emergency contacts,' and add a new contact from your phonebook. Make sure the option to show this information on the lock screen is enabled.

Should I have more than one emergency contact?

Yes, it is highly recommended to have at least two emergency contacts. This provides a backup in case your primary contact cannot be reached. You can prioritize which contact should be called first within your phone's settings.

What information should I provide to my employer?

When providing emergency contact information to your employer, include your primary and a secondary contact's full name, your relationship, and their contact number. You can also voluntarily provide key medical information like allergies.

Is an emergency contact the same as a healthcare power of attorney?

No. An emergency contact is simply a person to notify in an emergency. A healthcare power of attorney is a legal document that gives a designated person the authority to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to. An emergency contact does not have this legal authority unless they are also your designated power of attorney.

What if my emergency contact moves or changes their number?

You should review and update your emergency contacts at least once a year, or whenever major life changes occur. Regularly check that your phone's contacts are current and inform any organizations with your information, such as your workplace or doctor's office.

Do I need to tell someone that I've listed them as an emergency contact?

Yes, it is crucial to tell the person you've designated as an emergency contact. This ensures they are aware and willing to take on the responsibility. You should also provide them with basic medical information and discuss your wishes.