When calling 911 or a similar service about a medical emergency, first responders and associated medical staff must know a few things about you. That could include medications you’re allergic to, your blood type for blood transfusions, long-term symptoms known by your doctor, and health quirks that could lead to wrong or dangerous diagnoses. Sometimes, that information is on a health card or note in your wallet, but EMRs (emergency medical responders) may not find it.
Apple has a new feature to help through its Health app. With the proper setup, you can automatically send your medical profile when you call an emergency number. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for many, the option may be a lifesaver in an emergency. Let’s go over how to set this ability up, whether it workson Android phonesor only iPhones, and what it does when activated.
How to send your Apple Medical ID when calling emergency numbers
Before setting up this feature, update iOS and your Apple Health app to the latest version. iOS, in particular, needs the latest iOS 17 or newer version for this to work. The Health app is primarily an iPhone feature, so these steps don’t work on an iPad or using macOS on a MacBook or iMac. While the Apple Watch plays well with the Health app, you’re able to’t use this feature on watchOS (the screen is too small).
This emergency feature only works with the accepted emergency numbers in Canada and the United States. However, the phone lock screen feature covered below works anywhere you take your iPhone.
Is there any way to transfer this info over to Android phones?
Not from Apple. The Health app is Apple-only, and Apple contains all its data. That’s one of the reasons Apple can guarantee data privacy for its emergency SOS feature. None of the Health app options are available if you use an Android.
However, you have options.Samsung phoneshave aSafety and Emergencyoption inSettingswhere you can accessMedical Infoand fill it out similarly to Medical ID, and then turn on theShow on Lock Screenoption for a similar effect. It’s a competent alternative for Android users, although it does not support automatically sending data in an emergency call.
How to add medical information to your Android phone
Your phone can help save your life in an emergency
Sending out your medical data is now easy
Some people may have qualms about releasing their private medical data freely through Apple’s systems, even for emergencies. Apple is clear about when this data is shared or displayed. The rest is your choice. It’s a helpful feature for people with severe allergies or medical conditions.
Now that you’ve learned how to set up this emergency feature, you may want to review ourguide on Android’s Health Connector see ourexplainer on the Pixel Personal Safety app.
