I ask everyone I meet if they have activated the Medical ID app on their iPhones. Among all the friends, students, co-workers, and even some “Geniuses” at an Apple Store, I have only found two people who have activated their medical ID. This is a huge missed opportunity.

The Medical ID is an enhanced version of the “in case of emergency” (ICE) contact everyone is encouraged to create, but even better. Unlike an ICE contact locked in your iPhone, Apple’s Medical ID can be accessed from an iPhone’s lock screen. Should you be unable to communicate at some point, anyone finding your phone can simply “slide to unlock”, tap “Emergency”, tap “Medical ID”, and tap the phone icon to call any of your emergency contacts directly.

When creating your Medical ID you can also include important medical information, whether you are an organ donor and even the URL where medical personnel can access your advance care plan created through MyDirectives.

It’s a mystery why Apple doesn’t publicize the Medical ID feature. The Medical ID is part of the Health app that Apple built into iOS8 and pre-installs on all new iPhones (it’s the white icon with red heart). Tapping on the app icon will launch a Dashboard that probably has been tracking every step you have taken since you acquired your phone – you can turn off this feature if you like. The Medical ID icon is in the lower right corner. Tap on it and you will be able to create your Medical ID. At the very least, add an emergency contact and turn on the Show When Locked Feature”.

Do it now! And, tell everyone you meet. You may save someone’s life (perhaps your own) or at least ensure peace of mind.