I wish to share with you an important life saving discovery, especially if you use an Apple iPhone. If you use another brand of phone, you might still benefit from a quick scan of my written words if you are willing to follow-up to see if your brand of phone provides the same life saving technology.
OLD SYSTEM
Some cell phone users have taken advantage of an old concept called ICE. I am not talking about those cold solid cubes made out of frozen water that you drop in your cool aid. I am not talking about US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. I am talking about ICE or “In Case of Emergency” phone numbers you can store in your cell phone.
Let’s visualize. I am the leading contestant in our first annual City of Lakewood hot-chili-eating contest. Just before devouring my last bowl and stepping into the winner’s circle, I pass out and my head smashes into the deep end of my chili bowl. The chili oozes up over my ears. My lights go out.
The EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) arrives and she quickly determines that she has a life-threatening chili overdose on their hands.
The EMT is an optimist so she rummages through my pockets and finds my cell phone. As she spins through the alphabetized address book, she stops on a listing that reads ICE (In Case of Emergency). She quickly finds one or more people I have listed to contact in case of emergency. This makes for a happy ending.
PROBLEM – OLD SYSTEM
These days most iPhones are locked, so the EMT will be foiled in her effort to locate my ICE contact(s). This makes for an unhappy ending.
APPLE iPHONE SOLUTION
Apple has devised a free application called Health that can be utilized even if the iPhone is locked. Allow me to use a combination of photos and words to demonstrate how Health can work for you. Look for an icon similar to that pictured below.
Step 1: Click on Health icon
Step 2: Use the “Slide To Unlock” on the victim’s phone which will allow you to access the Emergency section if the phone is not locked. Proceed to Emergency Contacts (ICE). If it is determined that the phone is awake, but locked requiring a password, proceed to Step 3.
Step 3: Slide to unlock even if a password is required. The slide action will cause the word Emergency to appear in the bottom left corner of the iPhone screen.
Step 4: Click on the word Emergency which will trigger the terminology *Medical ID to appear in the bottom left corner of the iPhone screen. You are now able to skip the password and have access to two phone functions. #1. You can dial 911 for any emergency. #2. You can gain access to the victim’s emergency medical information and emergency contact list. Either dial 911 or click *Medical ID.
Step 5: If you choose to click on *Medical ID, detailed medical information including Emergency Contacts is displayed as depicted below.
The program provides you with the option to disclose your personal medical condition, allergies & reactions to drugs, medications, emergency contacts (not shown in photo), blood type, organ donor, weight and height. This kind of information could be very helpful and life saving as Police, EMTs, doctors or hospital staff try to help you.
If you think this is a genius idea, please know it is a bit embarrassing for me to be called genius. If you think this is a dumb idea, blame the Apple iPhone people. I encourage you to complete the iPhone form right on your phone. It is easy and it will not take long to accomplish. Then your iPhone can help keep you safe.
Joe, Thanks for the tip! Just updated the info in my iPhone 5S. I had never used the app because I have other ways of tracking my workouts, but I wasn’t aware of this emergency contact feature.
Now I’m hoping no one ever needs to use it!
Gary
Thank you, Joe. Very helpful. I also appreciate being listed as an allergy — one of the nicer things I’ve been called lately.
I NEED IT RIGHT NOooooooow ugh braaaaaaaaaaaaaah gurgle.
Too many screens with confusing password screens. Should be an Emergency Icon on the front lock screen, press it then the info shows and stays lit on the screen. Till the battery dies.
David,
On an iPhone, that’s basically what this does. You turn on the screen, and if it’s locked swipe it and it shows a keypad to enter your lock code, which is the standard way to get into any locked smart phone. But on an iPhone, in the lower left corner it says emergency. Press this, and it opens a phone pad where you can call 911 or view “Medical ID” with all the info Joe describes. It’s a lot simpler than it sounds describing it. And it literally took me about a minute to set up.
David,
I understand your concern. I used a good number of screens to explain the concept and alternative concepts, but the actual function only requires 3 moves to arrive at the Emergency Medical Information. Just 3 rapid easy to understand moves. It is so easy, even I can do it. Try it now on your iPhone.
Let me know if this looks better to you.
Joseph Boyle
Nope, the phone should sense when I have a problem, apply defibrillator if needed, call 911 for me, give my location, speak my problem to dispatch, tell them my medical history including allergies, all while soothing me with comfortable seasonal Nat King Cole music.
I won’t be happy until this is achieved.
Thanks for your help.
Mr. Wilson, After reading your words, some may regard your position on this matter to be built upon high and unattainable standards.
I will choose to not be too quick to dismiss your ideas. Laugh now, but it will probably not be too long before we will all be soothed by Nat King Cole.
When the new NNC (Nat King Cole) phone is developed I will write an article with two simple instructions. 1. Buy it. 2. Put it in your pocket. The rest will take care of itself.
The phone customers will buy and own with confidence because each phone will display the approved by David Wilson sticker.
I support you with confidence as I am old enough to remember the 12-party-line wall phone by Ma Bell. We have come a long way and the future is still just out in front of us.
Thanks for your thoughts Mr. Wilson.
Joseph Boyle