Smartwatches are not just gadgets that track your fitness or notify you of messages. They can also be lifesavers in emergency situations, as two Australians discovered in different ways. Their stories will be featured in short films created by a tech giant to showcase the potential of wearable technology.
A cyclist’s close call
Bruce Mildenhall, a keen cyclist from Melbourne, was riding his bike on a busy road when he was hit by a car and thrown off his bike. He suffered a severe head injury and lost consciousness. He does not remember anything about the accident or the aftermath.
Fortunately, he was wearing an Apple Watch that detected his fall and called emergency services automatically. The watch also alerted his wife and son, who rushed to the hospital to be with him. An off-duty paramedic who witnessed the crash also helped him until the ambulance arrived.
Mildenhall said he was grateful for the smartwatch’s intervention, as it could have been much worse if he had not received immediate medical attention. He said he was looking forward to getting back on his bike soon, but with more caution and awareness.
A hiker’s ordeal
James Prudenciano, a hiker from Sydney, was exploring a national park with his girlfriend when they got lost and ran out of daylight. They tried to find a way out, but ended up on a steep cliff with no escape. Prudenciano slipped and fell, injuring his back and legs. He was hanging on to a tree branch, fearing for his life.
He also had an Apple Watch, which he had bought just a week before. He used it to call emergency services and share his location. He also recorded a video message for his family, in case he did not survive. He said he felt hopeless and scared, but also hopeful that someone would find him.
After about an hour, a rescue helicopter arrived and lifted him and his girlfriend to safety. Prudenciano said he was amazed by the smartwatch’s ability to connect him to help and his loved ones. He said he would never go hiking without it again.
A tech campaign
These two stories are among the many examples of how smartwatches can save lives in critical situations. Apple, the maker of the Apple Watch, has decided to feature them in short films as part of its “More Than a Watch” campaign. The campaign aims to highlight the various features and benefits of the smartwatch, such as health monitoring, fall detection, emergency SOS, and communication.
The films will be released online and on social media platforms, as well as in cinemas and TV channels. Apple hopes that the films will inspire more people to embrace wearable technology and appreciate its potential to improve their lives.
