There are few positive adjectives that haven't been bandied about in the past when people talk about Apple iOS features and iPhone apps, including the words "life-saving."

But those calling their Seamless app or iOS features "life-saving" typically are speaking with a touch of hyperbole.

On iOS 8, however, one new feature actually could save your life. With the new Apple operating system, users can activate a function called Medical ID that shows emergency contacts in the event a user is incapacitated and in need of help, according to Forbes.

Some smartphone users may scoff, as they've had contacts in their phone labeled ICE -- in case of emergency -- for years. But what good does that if that user also has a passcode on their phone?

The Medical ID feature allows access to the list of emergency contacts without unlocking the device, making it much easier for emergency responders, or whoever is on the scene, to reach these contacts, 9 to 5 Mac reported.

To set up Medical ID, iOS 8 users can click on the Health app and then select Medical ID from the bottom right-hand corner. The first time this is accessed, users will get an information screen about Medical ID and the option to create a new ID.

Enter the relevant information and phone numbers for emergency contacts and -- this is crucial -- activate Show When Locked. Without this final step, your Medical ID is no better than the traditional ICE contacts.

To ensure you've properly set up Medical ID, lock your iPhone and then wake it up without unlocking it. Press the word "Emergency" on the bottom left. This will pull up a dialing screen that someone can use to call 911, a feature that's been around forever.

But now a Medical ID button also is available. Pressing this should bring up a list of contacts to reach in the event of an emergency.