Apple watch alerts 911, saves New York cyclist after accident

Edited By: Sneha Swaminathan
New York, US Updated: Apr 22, 2024, 01:34 PM(IST)

US woman uses Apple watch's SOS feature after a carbon monoxide leak in her house (representational image) Photograph:( Others )

Story highlights

Eric Zollinger was riding a Citi Bike home from his office in heavy rain when the accident happened.

The Apple Watch has been a lifesaver in many situations, detecting health issues like abnormal heart rates using its sensors. Recently, it saved a cyclist's life in New York. Eric Zollinger, a real estate broker, was riding home during heavy rain when he hit a hidden pothole, causing a bad fall.

Despite injuries, he continued but later collapsed at home. His Apple Watch detected the fall, called 911, and alerted his emergency contacts. The watch has a built-in fall detection feature for such emergencies.

''The next thing I remember hearing is, '911, what's your emergency?'' Zollinger said while recounting the incident. 

Afterward, he went to a nearby hospital for a check-up. Luckily, scans revealed no broken bones, and he was discharged.

Zollinger thanked the smartwatch for acting fast and believes it saved his life. ''I don't know how things would have gone for me if the watch hadn't alerted,” he said, 

''I feel very fortunate and grateful at what transpired and happened in how my Apple Watch helped me. It's a very clever watch. Apple thinks of everything,'' Zollinger added.

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Smartwatches: Lifesavers on your wrist!

Smartwatches have played a crucial role in saving many lives. Last year, a man aged 42 in the UK shared how a smartwatch aided him during a heart attack.

According to Express.co.uk, Paul Wapham, the CEO of Hockey Wales, was out for his morning run near his home in the Morriston area of Swansea when he experienced severe chest pain. He managed to contact his wife using his watch, who immediately took him to the hospital.

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If an Apple Watch detects one minute of inactivity, it will automatically place an emergency call and send your location to your emergency contacts.

(With inputs from agencies)

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