Smartphones are the most powerful and adaptable piece of communication technology ever built. As of March 2021, more than 113 million Americans rely on iPhones for their every day needs. A veritable pocket computer, the iPhone is capable of just about anything that the user requires. However, many users aren’t aware of just how much their phone can help improve their safety.
It is impossible to know when an emergency will occur. These three iPhone tips (via Apple) can help you ensure you’re as prepared (no pun intended) as possible:
1. Discreet emergency call
Life happens fast. Emergencies happen even faster. In the event that you don’t have time to dial 9–1–1, or just to do it faster, Apple designed a simple solution that allows you to get in touch with authorities quicker than ever before.
If you have an iPhone 8 or newer, all you have to do is hold down the lock button and one volume button for two seconds and an “Emergency SOS” slider will appear. Once this happens, move the slider across and your phone will call emergency services.
Further, per Apple, “After the call ends, your iPhone sends your emergency contacts a text message with your current location, unless you choose to cancel,” bringing us to our next tip…
2. Emergency contacts
If you’ve ever signed a health waiver or filled out a school field trip form, you’ve probably written down emergency contact information. Many people don’t know that you can do the exact same thing on your iPhone and it won’t just apply to your visit to the local aquarium.
To set your emergency contacts, simply open your health app, tap your profile and medical ID, click edit, and then scroll to emergency contacts. From here, all you have to do is tap the plus button, select your contact(s), and whenever you activate emergency SOS like in Tip #1, the people in your life that you need to know, will know.
3. Medical ID
Last, but definitely not least, is the Medical ID functionality, which gives you the ability to store essential personal health information that can be utilized if you’re unable to share it yourself, should you choose to enable it.
In your Health app, edit your profile and enter the relevant information (conditions, allergies, medications, blood type, etc.) that you deem necessary. Next, choose the option “Show When Locked.” This ensures that if you activate emergency SOS, vital information can automatically be shared with emergency personnel.
—
Each of these tips is a simple solution that can help you become a little bit more secure in your every day life by better leveraging your technology.
We never know when an emergency will occur — but we can always be prepared (pun intended) in the event that they do.
—
Visit our website to learn more about how we’re enabling more effective emergency communications than ever before.
Assisting Every Call For Service