Data's saving life
The ADAC Emergency Data Pass

The ADAC Emergency Data Pass contains important health data that can be crucial in a medical emergency, enabling first responders on scene to provide a faster and more targeted care. Health data includes personal details such as name, date of birth, and emergency contacts, as well as medical information such as pre-existing conditions, current medication and allergies. It is also possible to store declarations of intent, such as the existence of an advance healthcare directive, a power of attorney, or an organ donor card. All details are voluntary.

Important: If you are uncertain about your medical history or current medication, consult your doctor and, if necessary, ask for your medication plan. The more complete and up-to-date your emergency data is, the better: that’s why we recommend updating your information whenever changes occur. In any case, you should review and update it at least once a year. If you wish, we can remind you via push notification on your smartphone. You can choose intervals of 3, 6, or 9 months — or once a year.

Having the ADAC Emergency Data Pass on your smartphone isn’t a matter of age or health status — anyone can find themselves in an emergency at any time.

There are multiple advantages in storing health data:

• When emergencies occur, people are often anxious or overwhelmed and may not be able to provide accurate medical or personal information.
• Valuable time can be saved by giving first responders quick access to all critical health data. This helps them to assess the situation quickly and to provide a faster and more precise care.
• Even confirming that you are in good health (e.g. not taking any medication or having no known medical conditions) is an important information.
• It’s also recommended to include an emergency contact as well as details about advance directives, power of attorney, and organ donor status.

In an emergency, every second counts—your emergency card increases the chances that responders have the right information at their fingertips.

But it’s not only useful during emergencies. Your stored health data can also be helpful in everyday situations, such as appointments with specialists or physical therapists. If you're asked about pre-existing conditions or medications, you can simply access your emergency data anytime at adac.de/meinadac — keeping everything securely on your smartphone and ready when you need it.

ADAC stands for assistance, protection and guidance. In addition to improving individual emergency care through the ADAC Emergency Data Pass, ADAC also aims to raise public awareness about the importance of storing emergency data and actively promotes this initiative. High-quality, up-to-date, and readily accessible emergency data is essential for fast and effective treatment in critical situations.

That’s why ADAC believes it is necessary to place greater emphasis on the role of emergency data in emergency care and the chain of survival. ADAC also advocates for improving fast access to this data. The more emergency cards are created, the more the topic gains visibility among the public, medical professionals, emergency services and policymakers. Increased attention on emergency cards will also drive the digitalization of ambulances and rescue helicopters.

Unlike other emergency cards, the ADAC Emergency Data Pass can be scanned by first responders and is fully integrated into the emergency response system. By scanning the QR code on the card, paramedics gain immediate access to all relevant data directly within their system — allowing them to provide quicker and more targeted care. If needed, your health data can also be forwarded to the hospital for continued care.

In addition, your sensitive health data remains secure in case your smartphone is lost. Your emergency details are encrypted within the QR code on your card, ensuring they cannot fall into the wrong hands.

No, the ADAC Emergency Data Pass cannot yet be read by all paramedics. However, digitalization in emergency services is progressing — and ADAC is cooperating with medDV, the leading provider of rescue service software in Germany. This means that all emergency teams using the medDV software NIDAmobile can already read your Emergency Data Pass. And because the network is gradually expanding, having an ADAC Emergency Data Pass is already worthwhile. The Emergency Data Pass cannot be read abroad.

If, in an emergency, responders are unable to access your card due to a lack of technical equipment, you can log in at adac.de/meinadac, open your health data under “My personal data,” and show it directly.

Keep your smartphone ready in a medical emergency: Emergency personnel will actively ask for your emergency data pass. Unlock your smartphone and simply open the Wallet app (iPhone) or the YourWallet app (Android). Then open the emergency data pass and have the QR code ready so first responders can scan it using their software.
Tip: Try out these steps in advance — before an actual emergency situation arises.

If emergency personnel are unable to scan your emergency data pass due to missing technical equipment, you can log in at adac.de/meinadac, open your health data under “My Personal Data,” and show your information manually.

Note: If you are unconscious, the ADAC Emergency Data Pass cannot be accessed because the smartphone must be unlocked. However, in over 90% of cases (source: ADAC Air Rescue), patients are conscious and able to show the ADAC Emergency Data Pass on their smartphone to first responders. If a patient is not conscious, immediate life-saving measures are required, and the emergency data pass is scanned at a later point.

Yes, the ADAC Emergency Data Pass is helpful in serious emergencies. In most cases, patients are conscious and responsive — even in severe conditions such as traumatic brain injuries or strokes. However, speech or orientation issues often prevent clear communication with first responders. In these situations, the emergency data pass and its vital information can be crucial for patient assessment and first aid measures.

To allow emergency personnel access to the QR code, individuals must be able to unlock their smartphone. In cases of unconsciousness, this isn't possible. In such instances, life-saving measures are carried out immediately, and the emergency card becomes relevant at a later stage.

Protecting sensitive health data is our top priority! The health data you store in the personal section “My ADAC” via your ADAC login on adac.de is saved in encrypted form on a separate Microsoft Azure database, completely isolated from other data. This encrypted storage on Microsoft Azure meets the highest security standards.

ADAC places utmost importance on ensuring that the highly sensitive information in your Emergency Data Pass is securely stored and compliant with GDPR regulations. No one other than the user is authorized to access this emergency data. ADAC employees are generally not permitted to view your information.

Access via adac.de/meinadac is also protected by an additional layer of authentication — a second factor code sent via call or SMS—to prevent unauthorized access. The QR code on your Emergency Data Pass, which contains your submitted information, is encrypted according to current security standards and can only be scanned by emergency personnel.

For more details, please refer to the privacy policy.

Currently, due to technical reasons, only individuals aged 16 and older can create an Emergency Data Pass. We are working on making the Emergency Data Pass available for those under 16 in the future.

The ADAC Emergency Data Pass can be created by both ADAC members and non-members. The only requirement is to register for an ADAC Online Account.

If you have an iPhone, simply press the right side button twice and unlock your device to open Apple Wallet directly. If you're an Android user, unlock your smartphone and open Google Wallet (or the “YourWallet” app if you use it), where your Emergency Data Pass is stored. Then select the Emergency Data Pass to display it.

On the backside & detail page, you’ll find plenty of useful information — such as emergency numbers, important notes about the ADAC Emergency Data Pass, a direct link to “My ADAC,” FAQs, and ways to contact ADAC.

Using an iPhone? Here’s how to access the detail page:

• Double-click the side button: Select the ADAC Emergency Data Pass and tap the info button (i) in the lower right corner
• Or: Open the Apple Wallet, select the ADAC Emergency Data pass, tap the three dots (…) in the upper right corner, then choose “Card Details.”

Using an Android smartphone? Here’s how to find it:

• Open Google Wallet, select the ADAC Emergency Data Pass, and tap the three horizontal dots in the upper right corner. If using the “YourWallet” app, tap the three horizontal dots in the lower right corner.