Use the correct phone to call 911!

Have you ever needed to call 911?  In the case of an emergency we probably don't give much thought about which phone we use; we just call as quickly as possible.   However, earlier this week I learned you should use the cellphone of the person who needs assistance, not your own phone, unless it is you who needs assistance.

Why does it matter which phone you use?  The director of the Lyon County Emergency Communications Center shared this week in my class that they have access not only to your location but also to the medical information on your phone once the 911 call has been made.  It gives them a lot more information about the person in need very quickly which can assist them in providing the appropriate care.  

This medical information can also be accessed on any locked phone by anyone, if needed.  If you aren't sure you have your medical information on your phone and that you have "enabled" that information to be shared in case of an emergency, check out these "how-to" articles:

On an iPhone: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207021   Make sure you follow Step #5 to enable the sharing with emergency services.

On an Android phone:  https://support.google.com/android/answer/9319337?hl=en  AND https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-add-emergency-info-to-your-phones-lock-screen (scroll about halfway down the page for Android information)

Hopefully, this is a tip that is good to know but you will never need!