Apple Watch Fall Detection Saves Cyclist After Bike Accident

The Apple Watch has saved Eric Zollinger's life after a terrible bike accident left him injured.

Midtown West real estate broker Zollinger described the terrifying experience last month when he was riding a Citi Bike home from work during a severe downpour, according to the New York Post. His bike became trapped in a water-filled pothole, sending him falling onto the pavement. With facial and knee injuries, Zollinger walked his bike home to inspect the damage.

Life-Saving Technology

However, his nose started excessively bleeding while he was showering, causing disorientation, fainting, and hitting the tub. To his amazement, Zollinger awakened to a 911 operator speaking to him through his Apple Watch, which had automatically contacted 911 and informed his emergency contacts of his position.

The Apple Watch's fall detection feature called for help when Zollinger fell in the shower. Despite hospitalization, scans revealed no fractured bones, leading to his discharge.

Zollinger thanks his Apple Watch fall detection feature for averting more damage despite bruising and swelling. "I don't know how things would have gone for me if the watch hadn't alerted me," he expressed thankfully. His experience shows how wearable technology may save lives, especially in certain situations.

The CDC reports that falls are the primary cause of injury-related deaths among individuals 65 and older. Fall detection systems, such as the Apple Watch's function, are popular because of this danger. These gadgets can help older people get emergency medical attention but can't prevent or detect all falls.

How Does Apple Watch Fall Detection Work?

Janice Johnston, M.D., chief medical officer and co-founder of Redirect Health, says fall detection devices notify elders who fall and may not be able to access a phone for medical help."These wearable devices can detect a fall either automatically or at the push of a button and promptly notify medical personnel to respond," she explains, per Forbes.

Dr. Johnston notes that Apple Watch fall detection requires iPhone synchronization and the iPhone Watch SE, Series 4, or later versions. The Apple Watch software on the associated iPhone may enable or disable this function, which comes with an Apple Watch.

Falling triggers tactile sensations, aural alarms, and on-screen notifications from the Apple Watch. Users can call 911 or dismiss the alarm using the watch's user interface. If it detects no reaction and immobility persists, the Apple Watch immediately contacts emergency personnel with GPS information.

Apple Watch users must establish their medical ID with emergency contact information to maximize fall detection. In addition, the health app logs fall unless expressly disregarded.

Meanwhile, the Apple Watch also made headlines recently when a new video of Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow being played on an Apple Watch Ultra went viral, raising questions about Apple Watch emulators.

As per a previous TechTimes report, the video showcased a $35 Apple Watch being used in playing a video game, sparking discussions about its gaming possibilities, particularly as a Game Boy emulator. Some argue that the Apple Watch's lightweight form and lack of extra controllers or clip-on phone holders make it a potential Game Boy emulator.