Apple Watch’s fall detection feature saves man’s life after sudden collapse

New Delhi: An Apple Watch’s emergency safety feature helped save the life of a man in the US after he collapsed outside his home and was unable to call for help. The accident has again brought into light the potential life-saving role of wearable devices beyond their fitness-tracking capabilities.

Mohammad Islam of Cincinnati, Ohio, fell down while collecting trash by his home. He collapsed and was isolated at the time, according to People Magazine and local broadcaster WKRC. He woke up and could not stand up or move around. In less than a few minutes he heard the sirens of emergency going towards his house.

Apple Watch Detected the Fall and Called for Help

The built-in fall detection feature of Islam’s Apple Watch was used to automatically detect the fall. According to Apple’s emergency protocol, the watch dialled an emergency call and notified the responders if he didn’t respond to the alert on it.

Speaking to WKRC, Islam said he was aware of the feature but didn’t understand that it could automatically call emergency services when the wearer is unresponsive. That swift move was a lifesaver.

Doctors Found Dangerous Blood Clots

The doctor then took Islam to hospital and found blood clots in Islam’s lungs. Doctors told him that he was able to be treated in time thanks to the quick response. He had felt short of breath and had had stomach discomfort and difficulty walking earlier in the day for which there was no known reason.

His family was even more emotional with the fact that it was a gift from Islam’s daughters, the Apple Watch. This case demonstrates that although smartwatches may be marketed for fitness and wellness and health monitoring, their emergency capabilities, like fall detection, can make an impact in the real world when seconds matter. These devices are not designed to replace medical treatment but can be helpful as a safety measure, particularly for older adults or those living alone.