Knowing how to quickly make an emergency call on the iPhone can be a lifesaver. Especially when you otherwise couldn’t dial 911.
If you don’t have the time or capability to unlock the phone, open the phone app and dial 911, this method can be crucial in getting the help you need. In this blog post you will learn how to make a call without needing to take these steps.
You will also learn what the iPhone’s medical ID feature is. As well as how to properly set it up so emergency services will have access to important health information.
How to quickly make the call
In order to quickly make an emergency call, you use the same buttons as powering down the phone.
On an iPhone 8 or later, press the Lock button on the side, and the volume up button at the same time.
This will bring up a menu with four options as seen in the attached image.
Slide to power off, Medical ID, SOS Emergency Call, or cancel.
The first three options are all sliding bars. You slide the circle to the right with your finger and it will perform either of the three functions.
To use the cancel button you simply tap the x at the bottom.
Medical ID
Another quick method is built into the lock screen itself.
When unlocking the phone, if Touch Id or Face ID doesn’t go through, you can press the emergency button on the bottom left.
After tapping Emergency, the phone shows a white dial pad where you can input 911 or an emergency number for your area.
You and responders can also access your medical ID here. See the bottom left.
Medical ID can be setup in the contacts app, or the phone app in the contacts section.
Click on “My Card” at the top, hit Edit and scroll to the bottom of that card, then tap Medical ID to access your Medical ID information and edit/update it.
When setting it up you can add your blood type, and multiple emergency contacts.
You can also add medical conditions, notes, allergies, medications weight, height, and your primary language.
Make sure that “show when locked” and “share during emergency call” are toggled on at the bottom of the Medical ID settings/setup for it to be easily accessed by anyone responding to the emergency.
Privacy Information
If you are concerned about privacy and Apple’s ability to see medical issues you add, you may not want to put all of your medical information here.
If location services are turned on for Emergency & SOS calls, this can help responders find your location but also allows for Apple to track you as well.
This is found in the Settings in the Privacy & Security section, under location services. There is also a learn more tab that will offer all of the privacy information.
If you have questions about how to quickly make an emergency call on the iPhone, or our services in general, just call or email. We’re happy to assist you! Feel free to use our contact form to send us a message. Thank you!
