APPLE WATCH FALL DETECTION FEATURE SAVES LIFE OF CYCLISTS, CALLS EMERGENCY IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE MAN FAINTS

Over time, Apple has been credited for its smart features across devices, particularly those found on the iPhone and Apple Watch, for saving lives. In another case highlighting the importance of technology in Apple devices, the Apple Watch fall detection feature proved invaluable for a 49-year-old cyclist. It enabled the cyclist to receive prompt medical attention after a potentially life-threatening incident.

The New York Post reported the story of Eric Zollinger, a 49-year-old New Yorker whose Apple Watch fall detection feature became a lifesaver. Recalling the accident, Zollinger described his typical commute home taking a dangerous turn due to bad weather. An "eight-inch-deep" pothole hidden beneath a flooded road created a treacherous obstacle. His bike got caught in the unexpected water hazard, throwing him off and causing him to crash on the pavement.

Despite the severity of the fall, Zollinger managed to get up and walk his bike home. However, he later noticed significant blood loss from his nose as he took a shower. After trying to stand up, he became dizzy and fainted, hitting his body on the side of the tub.

As soon as he fell, his Apple Watch's fall detection feature activated, swiftly dialling 911 and connecting him with an emergency operator. When Zollinger regained consciousness, he was surprised to hear the operator's voice speaking to him through his watch, asking about his emergency. The Apple Watch had not only recognized the fall but also alerted his emergency contacts to his location.

Due to the call, he was able to receive medical assistance on time. Zollinger later expressed his gratitude for the watch's quick response, acknowledging that it likely saved his life. The watch's ability to automatically notify emergency services in critical moments proved invaluable. "I don't know how things would have gone for me if the watch hadn't alerted me," said Zollinger, a relieved Apple enthusiast. "It's very clever of the watch. Apple thinks of everything," he further quotes.

Apple Watch fall detection feature 

Apple introduced the fall detection feature in its Watch series with the debut of the Apple Watch Series 4 in September 2018. This feature allows the Apple Watch to use a combination of sensors to detect potential falls. These sensors include the accelerometer, which detects changes in motion, and the gyroscope, which monitors the watch's orientation. When the watch senses a sudden impact and a positional change indicative of a fall, it initiates a fall detection sequence.

Whenever a fall is detected, the watch vibrates on the user's wrist, sounds an alarm, and displays an alert asking if the user has fallen. If the user is conscious and capable of movement, they can dismiss the alert or contact emergency services directly. If there is no response, the watch assumes a fall has occurred and begins a countdown with an audible alert, allowing time for cancellation if the fall is not severe.

If the user remains unresponsive after the countdown, the watch automatically calls emergency services. During the call, a pre-recorded message informs emergency services that the Apple Watch has detected a fall and provides the user's location. Additionally, the watch sends a message to the user's emergency contacts, notifying them of the incident and the user's whereabouts.

2024-04-19T09:02:47Z dg43tfdfdgfd