Your Smartphone Might Just Save our Life

Key Takeaways
• The SEMID tool can store crucial medical information on your smartphone, making it accessible to emergency responders in real-time.
• Information like allergies, medications, blood type, and emergency contacts can be lifesaving in situations where you’re unable to communicate.
• Despite its potential, too few people take advantage of this tool. The Kessler Trauma Center’s campaign aims to improve awareness and encourage more widespread use of SEMID.
• Setting up your medical ID is a simple process that can be done in just a few minutes on both iPhones and Android phones.
• Beyond medical IDs, smartphones and smartwatches can also monitor your health, detect falls, and alert emergency services in critical situations.

In the midst of a medical emergency, every second counts. But what if you couldn’t communicate your health details to first responders? This is where your smartphone can play a crucial role. With the Emergency Medical Identification (SEMID) tool, your phone can store vital health information, enabling emergency teams to access it in an instant, even if you’re unable to provide it yourself.

A recent study led by researchers at the University of Rochester revealed just how effective the SEMID feature is in real-world trauma care. According to Adam Oplinger, Injury Prevention and Outreach Coordinator at Kessler Trauma Center, the SEMID tool provided valuable information in 75% of cases involving trauma patients who could not provide their own medical details. In emergencies where time is of the essence, having access to such information can significantly improve the speed and quality of treatment.

The types of information stored in a medical ID might include allergies, medications, medical history, blood type, and emergency contacts—all of which are crucial when a patient cannot speak for themselves.

Digital Tools in Health Emergencies
With smartphones becoming an integral part of daily life, it’s no surprise that they can now play a role in emergency medical situations. The SEMID feature allows users to store and display critical medical information on their phones, ensuring that first responders can access it instantly. Despite its potential, a study conducted in 2021 found that only 8 out of 30 patients arriving at the hospital with a smartphone had made use of the SEMID tool. This highlights a significant gap in awareness and utilisation, emphasising the importance of encouraging more people to set up this life-saving feature.

How to Set Up Your Emergency Medical ID
Setting up your medical ID is quick and easy, and can be done in just a few minutes on both iPhones and Android phones. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started:

Setting Up on an iPhone:
1. Open the Health app on your iPhone (this app is pre-installed on most iPhones).
2. Tap on your picture at the top right and then select Medical ID.
3. Tap Get Started or Edit, then enter your relevant information such as medical conditions, medications, allergies, and emergency contacts.
4. To ensure emergency responders can access your ID, toggle on Show When Locked and Emergency Call.
5. For easy access, hold the lock button and volume up button together for three seconds to view your medical ID on the lock screen.

Note: You can also access your Medical ID from your Apple Watch by pressing and holding the side button and sliding the Medical ID slider to the right.

Setting Up on an Android Phone
1. Open Settings and tap Safety and Emergency.
2. Select Medical Info and enter your health details, then tap Save.
3. Enable Show on Lock Screen to ensure the information is accessible even when your phone is locked.
4. To add emergency contacts, return to Emergency Contacts and add their details, again toggling on Show on Lock Screen.
5. To view the information from the lock screen, tap Emergency Call, then select View Medical Info.

As smartphones continue to evolve, their role in health and safety will only expand. The SEMID tool is a simple yet powerful example of how technology can enhance emergency care. Future innovations may include even more sophisticated ways for smart devices to monitor health and share critical information.

Practical Advice for Smartphone Users
1. Set Up Your Medical ID Today: Take a few minutes to set up your emergency medical ID on your phone. It could save your life.
2. Keep Your Information Updated: Regularly update your medical details to ensure that your emergency contacts and medical history are accurate and relevant.
3. Encourage Loved Ones to Set Up Their SEMID: Share the importance of the medical ID tool with family and friends, especially those who are older or have health conditions.
4. Monitor Your Health: Take advantage of your smartphone’s health-tracking features to monitor vital signs, fall detection, and more.

Your smartphone isn’t just for communication—it’s a powerful tool that can save your life in an emergency. It’s a simple step that could make all the difference, and it only takes a few minutes to set up.

Don’t wait for an emergency to realise the importance—be prepared today. At Locate Global, we care about your safety. If you’d like further information or to learn more about Locate Global Solutions, contact us at info@locate.global.