top of page
Search
Writer's pictureupdatedtechforall
May 7, 20203 min read

Apple Watch and iPhone can automatically send vital Medical ID info to first responders in iOS 13.5




Apple is moving quickly to release new software features that improve lives during the COVID-19 health pandemic. One new feature that’s aimed to help first responders will be useful for iPhone and Apple Watch users even after we reach the other side of the coronavirus outbreak. The change is coming in iOS 13.5 and watchOS 6.2.5 later this month.

Medical ID

Apple Watch and iPhone have supported a feature called Medical ID that lets you collect critical health data in one place. Medical ID can include your contact information, date of birth, medical conditions, blood type, and more.


Medical ID can be accessed from the Lock Screen on the iPhone without a passcode, or by holding the Side Button on an Apple Watch even if it’s locked. The idea is that anyone can see important health information about you in a time of need even if you’re not responsive.


Emergency SOS

iPhone and Apple Watch offer a separate feature called Emergency SOS. When you hold down the Side Button on an iPhone and Apple Watch for several seconds, the device can call local emergency services for you.


Emergency SOS also alerts your emergency contact when activated. This feature has been critical in saving lives by notifying first responders when an iPhone or Apple Watch user has an accident.


Medical ID in Emergency Calls

What’s new in iOS 13.5 and watchOS 6.2.5 is a new capability that connects Medical ID and Emergency SOS together. Starting later this month, customers can opt into a new Emergency SOS feature that automatically shares Medical ID information with emergency services.


This helps first responders by reducing the need to ask about allergies, medications, and medical conditions. First responders will automatically receive this vital information from Medical ID when Emergency SOS is activated.


Medical ID data is encrypted to ensure the data is stored privately on-device. This privacy is maintained with the new capability by relying on Enhanced Emergency Data to securely share the data with first responders.





Apple will let you automatically share your Medical ID info with first responders


The capability, called Share Medical ID During Emergency Calls, is still in beta tests on iPhones and Apple Watches.



Apple is building new SOS features into its Apple Watch and iPhone to make it faster to notify emergency responders about your existing medical conditions.




Apple is trying to make it easier to share health information with first responders in emergencies. The next version of Apple's iOS software includes a feature that lets you automatically share information from your Medical ID when you call 911 from your iPhone or Apple Watch. 


The feature, called "Share Medical ID During Emergency Calls," is available with the iOS 13.5 beta software developers can access now. It will roll out to consumers in the coming weeks. 


Apple's devices include a Medical ID, which you can load with important health information like drug allergies, medications you take and your existing conditions. It also includes emergency contact information that lets medical professionals reach your loved ones. The data is encrypted and can't be read by Apple, and you have to manually fill out the data for it to be included in the Medical ID. 


You can learn how to do that here.

If you enable the new feature for iOS 13.5, your information will automatically and securely be shared when you dial 911 -- if you live in a location where Enhanced Emergency Data services are supported. It will work in tandem with Apple's Emergency SOS feature on iPhones and Apple Watches and its fall detection technology on Apple Watch Series 4 and Series 5.  Buy Apple Watch now..!!!



6 views0 comments

Comments

bottom of page