Setting Up Emergency Contacts: A Checklist for Peace of Mind

Emergency contacts are often an afterthought - we add a name or two to our phone and forget about them. But when an emergency actually happens, the quality of your contact list can make a significant difference.

This checklist will help you set up emergency contacts properly, whether on your phone, medical ID, or both.

Who to Include

The goal is to have contacts who can be reached, who know your medical history, and who can make decisions on your behalf if needed.

Primary Contacts (2-3 people)

• Spouse or partner: Usually the first call for any medical situation
• Parent or adult child: Family member who knows your history
• Close friend: Someone reliable who lives nearby

Secondary Contacts (1-2 people)

• Out-of-area contact: Useful if local systems are affected (natural disasters, etc.)
• Workplace contact: HR or manager who can notify your employer

Medical Contacts

• Primary care physician: Your main doctor's office number
• Specialists: Any doctors for ongoing conditions
• Pharmacy: For medication verification

Information to Collect

For each contact, gather complete information so responders can reach them quickly.

Essential Details

1. Full name: First and last name
2. Relationship: Spouse, parent, friend, doctor, etc.
3. Primary phone: The number they're most likely to answer
4. Secondary phone: Backup number (work, home, cell)
5. Email: For non-urgent follow-up

Optional but Helpful

• Best times to reach them
• Language preferences
• Address (for local contacts)
• Notes (e.g., "works night shift" or "often travels")

Setting Up ICE Contacts on Your Phone

"ICE" stands for "In Case of Emergency" - a standardized system that emergency responders know to look for.

iPhone Setup

1. Open the Health app
2. Tap your profile picture, then Medical ID
3. Tap Edit
4. Scroll to Emergency Contacts
5. Tap Add Emergency Contact
6. Select a contact and define their relationship
7. Enable Show When Locked so responders can access it

Android Setup

1. Open Settings
2. Search for Emergency Information or Safety & Emergency
3. Tap Emergency Contacts
4. Add contacts from your address book
5. Ensure emergency info displays on lock screen

Medical ID Emergency Contacts

Phone-based ICE contacts are useful, but they require your phone to be accessible, charged, and unlocked. Medical ID bracelets and tags provide a backup.

What to Include on Medical IDs

• Primary contact name and phone number
• Relationship to you
• Secondary contact (if space allows)
• Physician contact for medical questions

Smart Medical IDs

Digital medical IDs can store unlimited contacts and additional information:

• Multiple contacts with priority ranking
• Contact photos for identification
• Automatic notification when profile is accessed
• Real-time updates without replacing hardware

Communicating with Your Contacts

Listing someone as an emergency contact comes with responsibilities - for both of you.

Tell Your Contacts

• That they're listed as your emergency contact
• What medical conditions or allergies you have
• Where to find important documents (will, medical directives)
• Your preferences for medical treatment
• Names and numbers of other contacts on your list

Ask Your Contacts

• Are they comfortable with this responsibility?
• What's the best number to reach them?
• Are there times they're typically unavailable?
• Do they have any travel coming up?

Keeping Contacts Updated

Emergency contact information goes stale quickly. Set reminders to review:

Review Schedule

1. Quarterly: Quick check that phone numbers are still correct
2. After major life changes: Marriage, divorce, moving, new job
3. Annually: Full review of all contacts and their information

Signs It's Time to Update

• A contact changed phone numbers
• Relationship status changed
• Someone moved far away
• A contact became less reliable or available
• Your medical situation changed

Special Situations

For Parents

• List contacts who are authorized to pick up children
• Include pediatrician contact
• Note any custody considerations
• List school contacts

For Seniors

• Include adult children or caregivers
• List home care agency if applicable
• Note assisted living or facility contacts
• Include pharmacy for complex medication lists

For Travelers

• Add contacts in your destination country
• Include travel insurance emergency number
• Note embassy or consulate contacts
• Keep contacts in local time zone context

Emergency Contact Checklist

Use this quick checklist to ensure your emergency contacts are complete:

1. At least 2 primary contacts listed
2. Phone numbers verified as current
3. ICE contacts set up on your phone
4. Contacts accessible from locked phone screen
5. Contacts on medical ID (if you have one)
6. All contacts know they're listed
7. All contacts have basic medical info
8. Review reminder set for 3 months

Taking 15 minutes to properly set up your emergency contacts is an investment in your safety. When an emergency happens, having the right people notified quickly can make all the difference in your care and recovery.