Lesson 18
Get Help in an EmergencyFor today’s phones
Your phone can call for help fast and can share your health details with rescuers. Setting this up now means it's ready if you ever need it.
First, tell us which phone you have
Not sure which you have?
If your phone has an apple on the back, it’s an iPhone. If it has anything else, it’s almost certainly an Android.
Step 1 of 5
Always dial 911 for an emergency
In a true emergency, open the Phone app, dial 911, and tap the call button, just like any other call. This works even when the screen is locked.
911 works even if your phone has no plan or shows no signal bars, as long as any network is nearby.
Step 2 of 5
Learn the quick Emergency SOS buttons
Your phone has a fast way to call for help without dialing, useful if you've fallen or can't see the screen well.
On your iPhone: On iPhone, press and hold the side button and a volume button together until the Emergency SOS slider appears, then drag it. If you keep holding, it will call for you.
On your Android: On Android, quickly press the power button 5 times to start an emergency call. On Samsung and Pixel phones you can set this up under Settings, then 'Safety & emergency.'
Practice finding these buttons once while you're calm, so your fingers know the way if you ever panic.
Step 3 of 5
Set up your Medical ID
A Medical ID holds your health facts, like allergies and medications, so rescuers can read them even while your phone is locked.
On your iPhone: On iPhone, open the Health app, tap your picture, tap Medical ID, tap Edit, and fill in your details.
On your Android: On Android, open Settings, tap 'Safety & emergency,' tap 'Medical information,' and fill in your details.
Be sure to turn on 'Show when locked' so paramedics can see it without needing your PIN.
Step 4 of 5
Add your emergency contacts
You can list the people who should be reached if something happens to you. Your phone can text them your location during an SOS call.
On your iPhone: On iPhone, in the Medical ID screen scroll down to 'Emergency Contacts' and tap to add them.
On your Android: On Android, in 'Safety & emergency' tap 'Emergency contacts' and add your loved ones.
Choose people who usually answer their phone, like a close family member or a neighbor.
Step 5 of 5
Keep your phone charged and nearby
Your phone can only help in an emergency if it has power. Charge it each night so it's ready in the morning.
Keeping a charger by your bed and one in a main room means your lifeline is always topped up.