From the Dark Side
by Tiny Ruisch
People that know me can tell you I wear a necklace with an unusual ornament. It’s a nearly indestructible flash drive with my important medical data. My theory is that if something happens to me, medical responders will read the tag and have access to my critical information. I’ve recently installed an application on my Android phone that could also save my life.
Medical ID allows creation of a medical profile that is accessible from the lock screen of your phone. In case of emergency, the app enables quick access to vital information such as your allergies, blood type, medical contacts, etc. These could be essential to attending first responders, medics or medical staff that need to take action.
Features of the application are:
• Quick access to medical data from your lock screen.
• Nearby hospitals localization.
After installing the app you are asked to fill out profile data. Copy and Paste works great, if like me, you have an extensive list of medications. The app adds a widget to your device’s lock screen (screenshot 1).
If anyone double taps the widget, a window opens with your information (screenshot 2). The window is scrollable and contains only information that you designate in the app settings.
Medical ID is free (with advertising). There is also a premium version ($6.99) which adds the following features:
• Customizable lock screen widgets
• Multiple SMS alerts
• Unlimited profiles
• Data backup and restoration
• Frequent updates
Thanks for reading.