Man Who Collapsed Outside His Home Credits Apple Watch Gifted by His Daughter with Saving His Life

In a remarkable demonstration of modern technology’s life-saving potential, a father from Cincinnati credits a thoughtful gift from his daughters with saving his life during a medical emergency. Mohammad Islam experienced a harrowing incident at home when he collapsed outside, but the fall detection feature of his Apple Watch alerted authorities, allowing them to respond promptly.

Islam recounted the ordeal in a recent interview, explaining that he was taking out the rubbish when he suddenly collapsed. “As soon as I turned around, I just collapsed,” he recalled, revealing that he has no memory of what transpired during the fall. Upon regaining consciousness, he found himself on the ground, overheated and unable to stand.

“I tried to get up but couldn’t,” he stated, describing how he managed to grasp a nearby chair to support himself. It was only moments later that he heard the sound of sirens approaching, signalling that help was on the way. Medical personnel later confirmed that Islam had suffered from blood clots in his lungs, a potentially life-threatening condition that he was unaware of prior to the incident.

Reflecting on the experience, he expressed gratitude towards his Apple Watch, which he received as a gift from his daughters. “I’m still trying to figure out what really happened. And why I’m alive,” he remarked, considering the ramifications had the emergency services not arrived as quickly as they did.

The fall detection feature on models like the Apple Watch SE and later versions has been designed to monitor for sudden movements or falls. According to Apple, the device waits for a response from the wearer but will automatically call emergency services if it detects immobility for a minute or longer. Once emergency services have been alerted, the watch also notifies the wearer’s designated emergency contacts.

While Islam was aware that his watch could detect falls, he was unaware of its capacity to summon help. “I know that there was some kind of a feature in the Apple Watch for if you fall down,” he explained, but he had never anticipated it would take action on its own in a real emergency. “It was in the back of my mind, but I did not know that it was going to call 911,” he added.

At the time of the interview, physicians had yet to determine the cause of the blood clots, despite Islam experiencing symptoms earlier that day. He reported discomfort near his ear, stomach issues, shortness of breath, and trouble walking. After a visit to a local clinic that failed to identify the problem, he was sent home with medication for his ailments.

In the aftermath of the incident, Islam revealed that his daughters are particularly overjoyed with the outcome. They expressed their relief and happiness that the gift they gave their father ultimately played a critical role in ensuring his safety. “They gave a gift to their mother. Also the Apple Watch. And every day they call me. They say, ‘Are you wearing your Apple Watch?’” he shared, noting their enthusiasm and concern for his wellbeing since the fall.

Islam’s experience serves as a powerful reminder of the potential benefits of wearable technology, especially for those who may be at risk of medical emergencies. His fortunate encounter emphasises the importance of being equipped with medical alert systems for immediate assistance, and highlights how thoughtful gifts can have unforeseen impacts on our lives. As he continues to recover, the support from his daughters and the presence of the Apple Watch represent a profound act of love and consideration that ultimately saved his life.