A few minutes on your phone could help save your life

In an emergency, every second matters. First responders make split-second decisions based on the information they have, and too often they’re forced to work with very little. That can now change.
Thanks to technology already built into today’s smart phones, Hamilton and Merrick County residents can instantly share vital medical information with 911 dispatchers. It’s free. It’s simple. And it could mean the difference between life and death.
As reported in last week’s ANR, Dispatch Supervisor Ryan Shaw and her team have taken the time to fully learn and implement the system, and now they’re asking the public to take the next step. All it takes is to spend a few minutes entering key medical details and emergency contacts into your phone’s health or safety settings, then enable sharing with 911.
Doing so allows dispatchers to see critical information the moment a call comes in, whether you’re diabetic, have a history of heart issues, rely on medications, or simply want first responders to know whom to contact if you’re unable to speak. As Shaw demonstrated, this data appears instantly on dispatch screens, giving responders a clearer picture of the situation before they even arrive.
This feature isn’t just for older adults or those with chronic health conditions. Emergencies don’t discriminate. A healthy teenager can be in a car accident just as easily as someone with a medical history. Having emergency contacts and basic information available helps responders act faster and more accurately for everyone.
Location sharing is another important tool. When enabled, it allows dispatchers to track your phone in real time while you remain on the line. That could be a game-changer for those who are lost, disoriented, or fleeing danger. Shaw’s demonstration showed just how precisely the system works, even as a phone moves across town.
For residents with older phones, a free online alternative exists at emergencyprofile.org. Signing up ensures your information is still available to dispatchers through RapidSOS, the system that ties all of these tools together.
This is one of those rare public safety improvements that costs nothing, takes only a few minutes, and offers enormous potential benefits. The technology is ready. Dispatchers are trained. Now it’s up to each of us to make it useful.
If you haven’t done so, take a moment today to set up your phone’s emergency information. Encourage your family members to do the same. In a crisis, you may not be able to speak for yourself, but with this tool, your phone can.
A few minutes of preparation could save precious minutes in an emergency. 
Kurt Johnson