In a compelling testament to wearable technology’s potential to save lives, a Reddit user recently recounted how their Apple Watch played a pivotal role during a medical emergency. The individual had been experiencing persistent shortness of breath, initially attributing it to a lingering cold or potential COVID-19 infection. However, the situation took a dire turn one evening after work.
While walking through a parking lot, the user became lightheaded and dizzy, eventually losing consciousness. The Apple Watch, equipped with its Fall Detection feature, recognized the hard fall and automatically initiated a call to emergency services. Although the user managed to halt the call, emergency responders promptly returned the call and dispatched assistance. Paramedics arrived within minutes, transporting the individual to the emergency room.
Medical evaluations revealed multiple large blood clots in the lungs, including one obstructing oxygen flow to the heart. Doctors emphasized that without the swift response facilitated by the Apple Watch, the outcome could have been significantly worse.
An additional noteworthy aspect of this incident is the role of the user’s wife, who was 35 miles away at the time. As an emergency contact listed in the Health app, she received an alert on her iPhone about the fall, complete with the user’s location. This feature ensured she was immediately informed of the situation and could take appropriate action.
This incident underscores the importance of activating Fall Detection on the Apple Watch, adding emergency contacts in the Health app, and completing the Medical ID. These features can be crucial in emergencies, providing timely assistance and potentially saving lives.
