iOS 13.5, watchOS 6.2.5 Can Automatically Send Medical ID Info to First Responders

Apple’s forthcoming iOS 13.5 and watchOS 6.2.5 updates will introduce the ability to automatically send vital Medical ID info to first responders, 9to5Mac is reporting. The new feature aimed at saving lives will prove extremely useful for iPhone and Apple Watch users during the COVID-19 health pandemic.

For those who aren’t familiar, Medical ID is a feature built right into iOS and watchOS that lets you collect and save critical health data in one place, including your contact information, date of birth, medical conditions, and blood type. 

In the latest betas of iOS 13.5 and watchOS 6.2.5, there is a new capability that connects Medical ID with Emergency SOS, another security feature available in iPhone and Apple Watch that alerts your emergency contact when activated.

Starting later this month, customers can opt into a new Emergency SOS feature that automatically shares Medical ID information with emergency services.

This helps first responders by reducing the need to ask about allergies, medications, and medical conditions. First responders will automatically receive this vital information from Medical ID when Emergency SOS is activated.

Every user’s Medical ID data is encrypted to ensure the data is stored privately on-device.