It is useful to know your phone features that can help you during an emergency.

Press and hold the side button and one of the volume buttons until the Emergency SOS slider appears. In older iPhones, pressing it 3 to 5 times triggers Emergency services. Drag the Emergency SOS slider to call emergency services. If you continue to hold down the side button and volume button, instead of dragging the slider, a countdown begins and an alert sounds.

If you start the countdown by accident, you can cancel. On iPhone 8 or later, release the side button and volume button. On iPhone 7 or earlier, press the Stop button, then tap Stop Calling. , then confirm that you want to stop calling.

Setting an Emergency contact on your phone

Open the Phone app and tap on the Contacts tab, then select a contact. You can also tap on the Recent tab and tap the small “i” button next to a contact’s name. Your Medical ID will open with your nominated contacts under the “Emergency Contacts” section. Tap “Done” to save your changes.

Setting an emergency contact on your phone is a life-saver during an emergency.

First responders and medical professionals can reach your family or your emergency contact in case of an emergency.

How can you access an emergency contact on someone else’s phone?

Press and hold the side button and one of the volume buttons until the Emergency SOS slider appears. Look at the picture above. Tap on the Medical ID and access the Emergency contact to place the call.

Being aware of these simple tips as technology changes, helps us during an emergency.