Apple Watch's Fall Detection Feature Saves Lives in Minnesota and Ohio

The Apple Watch's health features are making headlines this month, and two incidents in Minnesota and Ohio demonstrate how the Fall Detection feature on the watch can be life-saving.

In Minnesota, Apple Watch user Michael Brodkorb was hit by a vehicle that fled the scene. His Apple Watch detected the impact and called 911, and also alerted his wife and children inside the house. Brodkorb sustained injuries to his ribs and tailbone, but was grateful for the immediate help the Apple Watch provided. The driver of the vehicle was found by police, but it is not yet clear if he will be charged.

In Cincinnati, 83-year-old William Fryer was walking when his knees gave out. His Apple Watch detected the fall, called emergency services, and alerted his daughter. Cincinnati police were able to locate him and paramedics transported him to the hospital. X-rays showed that Fryer had a large blood clot that caused his fall, but the symptoms had gone unnoticed. Fryer expressed gratitude for his Apple Watch's ability to summon help.

The Fall Detection feature on the Apple Watch can be enabled by opening up the Apple Watch iPhone app, going to Emergency SOS, and toggling on the Fall Detection option. The feature is enabled by default for Apple Watch owners over 55, but younger users can also turn it on.