When we first saw the Apple Watch, little could we have expected the impact it would have on our lives. And on the lives of many people around the world, as it has already saved several. Whether through an automatic emergency call upon detecting a fall, accident detection, or simply as a device that is always on the wrist to communicate any situation, the Apple Watch is playing a crucial role in the outcome of certain events. In this case, saving an experienced runner in Norway.
A simple phone call that completely changed the outcome of the story
Robert Naess, a 59-year-old investment director, decided to enjoy a vacation in Bergen, Norway. During his free time, as reported by Apple Insider, he decided to go for a run on a trail he had already taken numerous times before. However, that morning, an unfortunate accident led Naess to experience a potentially life-threatening situation.
The day started like any other; Naess began his run at 7 A.M. However, at one of the turns on the trail, despite being an experienced runner, he slipped. The fall made him land chest-first against the edge of a wall, and he ended up on the ground. The impact not only fractured several ribs but also caused a collapsed lung.
Immobile due to the sharp pain and with breathing difficulties, pulling his iPhone out of his pocket and calling for an ambulance seemed like an impossible task. However, Naess was wearing an Apple Watch and was listening to a podcast through his AirPods. Instead of waiting for the watch’s Fall Detection feature to activate automatically, he made the call to emergency services himself.
He was not in a particularly isolated location, as he was close to a road. In fact, while he waited for help, despite more than 100 vehicles passing by the nearby road, none stopped to assist him. Naess believes this was due to the difficulty of spotting him from the road and the challenge of stopping traffic at that specific point. Fortunately, about 15 minutes after the accident, the emergency team arrived and transferred him to Haukeland Hospital.
The doctors confirmed the initial diagnosis and treated him accordingly. Once recovered from the traumatic event, Naess stated that without a doubt, the Apple Watch had saved his life. In his critical state, unable to move, the device became his only connection to the outside world.
This is not an isolated case, in fact. Over the years since its launch, the Apple Watch has been praised on numerous occasions for saving lives and assisting users in emergency situations. Whether detecting irregular heartbeats or allowing communication during incidents, the Apple Watch stands out.
Robert Naess’ story is not only a testament to the invaluable safety function these devices offer but also a reminder of the importance of technology in our daily lives. The Apple Watch, initially conceived as a fashion accessory and a device to keep us connected, has transcended its original purpose to become a vital safety tool.
This incident in Norway underscores the importance of investing in technology for health and safety purposes. It’s no wonder that on more than one occasion, Tim Cook himself has stated that Apple’s greatest contribution will be in the field of health and user well-being. Considering what the Apple Watch is already capable of doing, and knowing all that is yet to come, we can take his statement very seriously.
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