The iPhone has a lot of pre-downloaded apps that many of us find useless. However, there is one app already downloaded on the iPhone that is one of the lesser known but potentially the most important: the health app.
While most people keep an emergency contact in their phone, if there is a passcode on the phone, this contact cannot be accessed by anyone who doesn't know the passcode.
Addressing this issue, Apple created a new feature called the “Medical ID” which is hidden in the iOS health app. Users can configure this feature by launching the health app and tapping the Medical ID menu in the bottom right and then choosing “Create Medical ID.”
iPhone users with a passcode can enable the “Show When Locked” function, allowing first responders or anyone else with emergency access to the medical ID. Enabling this feature allows the ID to be viewed by swiping the lock screen, tapping “Emergency” and then viewing the digital information.
On the medical ID, users can fill out their conditions, allergies and medications, along with any other notes. Additionally, multiple emergency contacts can be added, as well as their relationship to the user. They can also add their blood type, height and weight and whether or not they are an organ donor. After the medical ID has been created, users can go back and make changes at any time through the Health app.
For Android users, there is an app within the app store called “ICE- in case of emergency,” that allows users to store their health information. Multiple profiles can also be created and become a useful database for medical information about family members or other close persons.
As much as technology can take over our lives, it isn't always a bad thing. With the development of these health apps, first responders can figure out a quicker way to access health information in case their patient is unable to speak or in critical condition due to an injury.