Apple Watch Ultra’s Heroic Role in Saving a Diabetic Man’s Life
The Apple Watch Ultra‘s fall detection feature recently played a crucial role in saving the life of a diabetic man in Las Vegas. Josh Furman, a 40-year-old resident, fell unconscious due to low blood sugar, and his smartwatch automatically dialed 911, ultimately leading to his rescue.
Fall Detection Feature Saves the Day
When Furman collapsed, his Apple Watch Ultra detected the fall and initiated a call to emergency services. Although he couldn’t communicate clearly with the 911 operator, his watch shared his location, aiding the responders in reaching him promptly. Additionally, the watch sent messages to his emergency contacts, enabling Furman’s mother to convey his medical condition to the emergency services team.
Customizing Smartwatch Settings for Safety
Furman’s case highlights the importance of customizing smartwatch settings. He had activated the fall detection feature, which is typically off by default for users under 55. This feature is primarily designed for use during physical activities, but Furman’s decision to keep it always on proved to be a life-saving choice. He emphasized the significance of understanding and utilizing the available features, stating that without his watch’s fall detection feature, the outcome might have been very different.
The fall detection feature on compatible Apple Watch models functions by lightly tapping the wrist, emitting an alarm sound, and displaying a notification if it detects a significant fall. Users have the option to either contact emergency services or dismiss the notification. If the watch detects a lack of movement for approximately one minute, it will automatically dial emergency services, sharing the user’s location with emergency contacts.
While the Apple Watch cannot directly track blood sugar levels, it can still be a valuable tool in emergencies, as demonstrated in Furman’s case. This story serves as a reminder of the potential life-saving capabilities of wearable technology when properly utilized.