Use Medical ID on your iPhone as a safety shortcut

by ParentCo. April 08, 2015

40% of US homes no longer use a landline. Meanwhile, 91% of adults have cell phones. If you asked your child who they should call in an emergency, they'd likely answer "9-1-1". But if you handed them a locked iPhone, would they know what to do with it? Even if they know your password, saving a few precious seconds of fumbling to unlock your phone could make a critical difference. Consider teaching them how to use your iPhone's emergency call feature. (A simple tap of "Emergency" from the lock screen, then dial.) Chances are, you already knew that. But most of our friends hadn't heard of this: iPhone users can make their device even more helpful in an emergency by enabling Medical ID. This feature provides first responders with important medical information, such as known conditions, allergies, medications, and blood type. It also includes the owner's name, birth date, and emergency contacts (with relation). To set it up, launch the Health app (requires iOS 8), tap the Medical ID menu in the bottom right corner and edit your information. If "Show When Locked" is toggled on, this screen becomes accessible from the emergency keypad as well. Parents of kids with iPhones or iPod touch could consider enabling it on their devices as well.


ParentCo.

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