Imagine this scenario: You're at the park with a friend who has seizures. Things are going fine, but suddenly she has a fit in front of you. Your instinct is to help, but you're not sure what to do. You've never dealt with this before.
The first thing you should do is call 911. But what do you do next? A simple feature on your phone can give you the necessary information in case of an emergency (this DIY emergency survival kit might come in handy, too).
On the iPhone, the feature is called "Medical ID." Many smartphones today require a password to use them. If the person is harmed or unconscious, you won't be able to "unlock" the phone and contact their next of kin or provide necessary medical information to EMS/EMTs.
"Medical ID" overrides the lock by providing key information like blood type, next of kin, and medical conditions. Most people don't know this — I didn't until I saw a paramedic share the "secret" on Instagram.
But what if you don't have a smartphone? We've found another simple solution for that. See it all below!
Amanda Root, a paramedic, shared this amazing tidbit of info on Instagram:
"Working as a paramedic we've had many patients who we treat and we have had no way of knowing who they were or how to contact next of kin. Did you guys know that you (or your patients) can set up something called a "Medical ID" on your iPhone? This can be accessed even while the phone is locked by clicking on the emergency options and can display things like name, DOB, emergency contacts, medical conditions and even blood type! It can be managed by clicking on the little "Health" app that comes default on the phone. The app is on ios 8 and the icon is a white square with a red heart."
The idea of having all of one's medical information readily available is genius. Imagine babysitting another parent's child or maybe even your grandchild and something serious happens. With the simple click of a button a lot of your fears and concerns can go away. It's very easy to overlook an allergy someone might have but with this you can worry a little less.
But what if you don't have an iPhone? The solution is simple. Carry an ICE card or an "In case of emergency" card. You can print your own out by clicking here.
Alternatively, you can customize your own. With a printer and word processor you can make one for yourself, the kids, and even the pets!
Be sure to include: blood type, medical conditions, current medications, food allergies, medication allergies, next of kin, the name of the doctor and any other information you feel pertinent.
Please SHARE this to let others know a simple app or emergency card can save a life!
