In a recent event in New York City, the life-saving capabilities of Apple’s innovative technology were once again brought to light. A 49-year-old cyclist, Eric Zollinger, experienced a terrifying accident that could have ended fatally if not for his Apple Watch’s fall detection feature. As per a report from The New York Post, Zollinger’s evening commute took an unexpected turn when he hit a hidden pothole submerged beneath floodwater due to bad weather. He was thrown off his bike and crashed onto the pavement in a jarring fall.
Initially able to continue his journey home, Zollinger soon realized the severity of his injuries when he noticed significant blood loss from his nose while showering. Moments later, he collapsed, hitting his body against the tub. Fortunately, Zollinger’s Apple Watch sprang into action as soon as it detected the fall and initiated an emergency call to 911, connecting him with an operator. Regaining consciousness, Zollinger was astonished to hear the operator’s voice coming from his watch and inquiring about his well-being and coordinating necessary assistance.
The prompt intervention facilitated by the Apple Watch proved critical in ensuring that Zollinger received urgent medical attention. Grateful for the watch’s quick response, Zollinger praised its ingenuity and expressed how it potentially saved his life. “I don’t know how things would have gone for me if the watch hadn’t alerted me,” said Zollinger, commending the device’s efficiency. “It’s very clever of the watch – Apple thinks of everything.”
For those who are not familiar with how the fall detection feature works, upon detecting a fall, the watch vibrates loudly, sounds an alarm and displays an alert asking for confirmation of the user’s status. If no response is received within 60 seconds or more than ten consecutive falls occur without any response being confirmed within 30 seconds or more than five falls occur without any response being confirmed within 30 seconds or more than two falls occur without any response being confirmed within 60 seconds or more than ten consecutive falls occur without any response being confirmed within one minute or more than three consecutive falls occur without any response being confirmed within one minute or more than six consecutive falls occur without any response being confirmed within two minutes or more than ten consecutive falls occur without any response being confirmed within two minutes or more than fifteen consecutive falls occur without any response being confirmed