USEFUL STUFF
Put This in Your Phone Before You Need It
A ten-minute setup can help someone contact the right person and understand important medical information—even when your phone is locked.
6 minute read
Start with one emergency contact
Choose someone who is likely to answer, knows you reasonably well and can speak clearly on your behalf. Ask before listing them. Save both their name and relationship to you—“Maya, daughter” is more useful than a first name alone.
Consider adding a second person who lives nearby. The relative who knows your history may be in another province or country; the neighbour or friend five minutes away may be the one who can reach you first.
Add only the medical facts that matter
Include serious allergies, important medical conditions and medicines that emergency workers should know about. Keep the list current. An old medication list can be more confusing than no list at all.
Do not guess at details such as your blood type. If you are uncertain about what belongs there, ask your pharmacist or doctor during your next visit. The goal is a short, accurate emergency summary—not your complete medical record.
On an Android phone
On many Android phones, open the Safety or Personal Safety app, choose Your info, then add medical information and emergency contacts. The wording can vary by manufacturer, so you may also find it under Settings, Safety and emergency.
After saving it, lock the phone and check whether Emergency information can be opened without your passcode. Google also offers Emergency SOS and location-sharing options on supported phones, but only turn on features you understand and want to use.
On an iPhone
Open the Health app, tap your profile picture, then Medical ID. Add the information you want available and choose emergency contacts from your address book.
Make sure Show When Locked is enabled if you want first responders to see the Medical ID without unlocking your phone. Apple advises reviewing the details periodically so they remain accurate.
Do one real-world test
Ask your emergency contact to confirm that the listed number works. Then show someone you trust how to find the information from your locked screen. Ten minutes spent testing is more valuable than a perfect-looking setup nobody can locate.
Put a reminder on your calendar to review it every six months—or immediately after an important change in medication, diagnosis, address or emergency contact.
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