Seconds count in an emergency, so we’re always looking for ways to make things quicker when responding to emergency calls. Now, rather than having to take the time to tell 911 dispatchers or first responders about any medical conditions you have, if you’re even physically capable of doing so, your smartphone can save time and do that for you.
Any Android phone with the Personal Safety app installed can do this, so long as the user permits it in the settings. Then any information you enter into the app, like allergies, pre-existing conditions and emergency contacts, will be automatically shared with the dispatcher when you call 911. They can then share that information with first responders so they arrive on the scene better prepared to help you.
This feature isn’t entirely new to the smartphone world — Apple users have had access to it on iPhones and Apple Watches in the Health app since iOS 13.5 was introduced in 2020 — but it’s the first time it’s been available to Android users. To enable the feature, open the Personal Safety app, navigate to the “Your info” section and click on “Emergency info access” and then “Share during emergency call.”
