Did you know about the Medical ID feature on your iPhone? Perhaps you did, perhaps you didn’t. All I know is, I’ve asked a lot of people this very same question and it was met with vacant looks. People generally don’t seem to know that it exists. Either that or they can’t be bothered to use it properly, and that’s a very big mistake IMHO (I’ve never used that abbreviation before and I can’t tell if I’m excited that I have or just really embarrassed. It means In My Humble Opinion, btw. And that one’s By The Way. Okay, I’ll stop.)

This feature allows anyone to access important information about your medical conditions and needs—including emergency contacts—even when your phone is locked. It’s an easily accessible place for you to explain any allergies or reactions you may have or medications you may need, and it could save your life.

It’s easy to set up as it’s all connected to the Health app on your phone. This app comes pre-installed on your iPhone and Apple won’t let you delete it, so you’ll definitely have it somewhere – even if you’re a totally disorganised app hoarder. Trust me; it took me about 45 minutes to find it on my mum’s phone amongst the 15 pages of different variations of Scrabble.

Once you’re in the app, click on ‘Medical ID’ in the  bottom left hand corner – you’ll then have the option to Edit your details in the top right. Here’s your opportunity to add any medical notes that you think may be useful in a medical situation: allergies, reactions, types and dosage of  any medications, blood type, whether you’re an organ donor, etc. Just make sure it’s really clear and easy for anyone to understand and, even more importantly, make sure you have checked the settings so that it can be accessed when your phone is locked:

Should a paramedic/doctor/friend/neighbour/teacher/lifeguard/stranger/Tinder date need to access this information then they can do so by following two easy steps:

1.

2.

So there you have it. It will take you no time at all, and you never know when it might come in handy – so if you do nothing else today, make sure you set this up.

I apologise that this post is very Apple-ist. If anyone has any insights into an equivalent service offered by other smartphones then please feel free to comment below.

~ G