iOS 13.5 adding the ability to share Medical ID info during emergency call

Apple has released its fourth developer beta of iOS 13.5 today, adding a new feature which will automatically share a user’s Medical ID with dispatchers during an emergency call, providing call handlers information such as allergies, language, and medical conditions.

In the Health app on iOS users have been able to create a Medical ID since iOS 12, that lists critical medical and contact information for the purpose of first responders and others who have physical access to your iPhone in the event of a medical emergency. It allows for the information to be shown from the Lock screen without the need for a passcode.

Apple is setting out to make this information accessible for medical personnel, such as call handlers, when a user calls the emergency services using iPhone’s built-in SOS feature, which automatically calls dispatchers when you hold down the Side Button on an iPhone and Apple Watch for several seconds.

iOS 13.5 includes a new prompt which reads: “iPhone and Apple Watch can automatically send the information in your Medical ID to the dispatcher who answers your call. This can speed up the process of getting the care you need.”