When technology goes beyond convenience and becomes a literal lifesaver.
An Apple Insider reporter shared his story on how his Apple Watch saved his life. Never in his wildest dreams that the author's life be spared with one of the products he used to review.
Apple Watch Crash Detection Saves Author's Life
According to Daniel Dilger, he's not the first person to be rescued by paramedics alerted through Apple Watch's Crash Detection. However, it's essential to acknowledge that there have been instances of emergency workers being inconvenienced by false alert calls, such as those triggered by roller coasters or users who didn't cancel the emergency call in time.
In his case, Crash Detection became a vital feature when they found themselves unconscious and bleeding on a desolate sidewalk late at night. The device automatically initiated an emergency response, ultimately connecting them with the necessary medical attention.
Beyond Car Crashes
Apple designed Crash Detection to identify evidence of a "severe car crash" using data from device sensors like gyroscopes and accelerometers. These sensors, in conjunction with sophisticated analysis, determine the occurrence of a crash and ascertain whether the vehicle operator is unable to seek help.
In the author's situation, there wasn't a car involved. They had rented a scooter with the intention of making a quick trip back to where they had parked their car. However, a sudden crash interrupted their journey. They were knocked unconscious on the side of a bridge spanning a freeway, with a deep gash above their eye bleeding profusely.
Without Crash Detection, the outcome could have been dire. The device recognized their dire condition within seconds, summoning emergency services to their precise location. In under half an hour, they were en route to the emergency room.
Related Article : Apple AirPods May Help Improve Crash Detection Accuracy
A Frightening Reminder of Vulnerability
Typically, the author is adept at making tough decisions and navigating predicaments. However, during rare moments when they've been incapacitated, it's a sobering realization that they'd be utterly helpless in the face of adversity.
The substantial blood loss the author experienced could have quickly turned fatal. Loss of consciousness coupled with significant blood loss is a perilous combination that could lead to severe brain damage.
Debates Surrounding Crash Detection
Apple introduced Crash Detection in its iPhone 14 models, Apple Watch Series 8, and Apple Watch Ultra last year. While this feature has the potential to save lives, it also sparked debates. Some critics raised concerns about the possibility of false alerts outnumbering genuine emergency situations.
Instances of false alerts were reported at locations like ski lifts and roller coasters, prompting some to call for Crash Detection to be an "opt-in" feature. However, this approach has its limitations. In the author's case, they would never have activated a system to monitor a short scooter ride—a seemingly low-risk activity.
The Silent Guardian That Just Works
The fact that the author's Apple Watch and iPhone had quietly observed them for over a year without any prior incident showcases the unobtrusive nature of this feature. It doesn't demand their attention until it's absolutely necessary. This unobtrusive yet vigilant approach likely contributed to saving the author's life.
Crash Detection stands as a prime example of innovative iOS feature updates that enhance the value of the products the author already uses. It doesn't require active involvement on their part, yet it can prove to be a guardian angel when the need arises.
Taking Control of Emergency Contacts
A lesson that Daniel learned from this experience is the importance of ensuring that their emergency contact information is accurate and up to date. Their device relies on this data to connect with their chosen emergency contacts during a crisis. Verify that the designated emergency contacts have current and functioning phone numbers.
Updating a phone number may not automatically correct emergency contacts. They might need to delete and re-establish the chosen emergency contact with their updated phone number. The system only dials the specific number provided and doesn't cycle through every contact number ever entered for that person.
In the author's case, the Find My app, along with iCloud location sharing, played a crucial role in allowing their partner to locate them and contact the hospital for updates. If Crash Detection hadn't been in place, their situation might not have had such a fortunate outcome or could have taken a much darker turn.
Another report by Hindustan Times said that the Crash Detection feature in iPhone 14 managed to save the life of a Redditor in a car crash.
