Smartwatch saves lives: Fire brigade alerts after a fall in Lehrte

Smartwatch saves lives: Fire brigade alerts after a fall in Lehrte

In Lehrte, in the Hanover region, the fire department had to go out on Sunday to help a 56-year-old man who was found in his apartment after a fall. The crucial helper in this situation: one Smart watch, which automatically made an emergency call and transmitted location information to the emergency services. Thanks to this modern technology, the man was found in a partially responsive condition and taken to the hospital.

The incident clearly shows how useful the innovative fall detection of smartwatches can be. This function is now integrated into many models as standard. The Apple Watch has done pioneering work here and has been offering reliable fall detection since the 4th generation. The latest model, the Apple Watch 7, not only scores with a robust design and a high-resolution Retina display, but also with extensive health tracking that includes heart rate measurement and ECG.

How fall detection works

How does fall detection actually work? If a fall is detected, the smartwatch first sends an alarm tone and vibrates. The user then has the option of canceling the alarm or activating an emergency call. However, if no movement is registered within 30 seconds, the local emergency services are automatically contacted and the location is sent to them. This feature can be life-saving for many people, especially seniors or those with health issues.

Modern smartwatches, including the Samsung Galaxy Watch and the Google Pixel Watch, also offer similar fall detection features with varying approaches. The Galaxy Watch even allows you to set a specific emergency number. In contrast, after a fall, the Pixel Watch asks the user if help is needed and then waits before contacting emergency services.

Advantages and challenges

However, despite the numerous advantages of this technology, there are also challenges. The operation can be complicated for older people and the price should not be underestimated. The variants with integrated eSIM are particularly recommended as they allow you to use the emergency call function independently of your smartphone. However, the auto-call function has also led to incorrect calls in the past, for example when an emergency call was not canceled in time.

To ensure the best possible security, it is advisable to find out about the different models and functions. Some smartwatches even offer special features for seniors, such as the TCL MT434AX, which is equipped with integrated fall detection and an SOS button to quickly call for help.

Today's smartwatches are more than just fashion accessories - they could actually be a lifesaver in critical moments. Everyone should think about how such technologies can be used sensibly in everyday life to get help quickly in an emergency.