Apple Watch Fall Detection Features Save Two Lives

The Apple Watch's health features are making headlines this month, and have been credited with saving at least two lives. Fall Detection came in handy in two emergency situations in Minnesota and Ohio.

apple watch fall detection
In Minnesota, Apple Watch user Michael Brodkorb was hit by a vehicle that then fled the scene. His Apple Watch detected the impact using Fall Detection and dialed 911 after he was unable to respond. "I was just shocked," he said. "I mean, just the sheer force of what it's like to get hit by a vehicle."

Along with calling 911, the Fall Detection feature alerted his wife and children inside the house, so he was able to get immediate help. He ended up with injuries to his ribs and tailbone. "It absolutely is a life-saving tool," Brodkorb said. Police did find the driver, a 17-year-old boy, but it is not yet clear if he will be charged.

During his recovery, Brodkorb sent an email to Apple CEO Tim Cook, who wished him a speedy recovery.

In Cincinnati, 83-year-old William Fryer was walking on the Ohio River Trail when his knees gave out. No one was around, but 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 ultimately showed that he had a large blood clot that caused his fall, but the blood clot symptoms had been atypical as they had not been noticed. Fryer had the clot removed, and said that he was grateful his Apple Watch had been able 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. Fall Detection is enabled by default for Apple Watch owners over 55, but younger Apple Watch users can also turn it on.

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Top Rated Comments

Feek Avatar
25 months ago
It detected when I fell once. I managed to cancel it because I thought I was OK.

I wasn't OK, I was absolutely knackered. I couldn't get up. I'd smashed my shoulder and ended up laying at the side of the road waiting for someone to stop and help.

If you don't have fall detection enabled, please do so. It's really important.

This is how my shoulder is now (x-ray in spoiler tags).

[spoiler]

[/spoiler]

If you ever fall and it goes off, properly evaluate yourself before cancelling it.
Score: 38 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving ?️ Avatar
25 months ago
It's April 24, 2015, and Apple just released the Apple Watch (1st Generation)

Fast forward to today, 2023 - Who would have ever thought Apple Watch would be saving human lives? ?
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
midkay Avatar
25 months ago
Brilliant work by Apple on this and Crash Detection. The developers of these features should be very proud.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ct2k7 Avatar
25 months ago
I wonder if there are other competitor watches which can do this or just Apple Watch? Pretty amazing tech either way that's literally a life-saver!
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Choco Taco Avatar
25 months ago

It's April 24, 2015, and Apple just released the Apple Watch (1st Generation)

Fast forward to today, 2023 - Who would have ever thought Apple Watch would be saving human lives? ?
Yes, it's nice to see tech like this making an actual difference.



It detected when I fell once. I managed to cancel it because I thought I was OK.

I wasn't OK, I was absolutely knackered. I couldn't get up. I'd smashed my shoulder and ended up laying at the side of the road waiting for someone to stop and help.

If you don't have fall detection enabled, please do so. It's really important.

This is how my shoulder is now (x-ray in spoiler tags).

[spoiler]

[/spoiler]

If you ever fall and it goes off, properly evaluate yourself before cancelling it.
I'm glad you're okay. That's terrifying.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Choco Taco Avatar
25 months ago

Does skydiving trigger this?
Only if your parachute doesn't open.


Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)