Smartwatches are not just practical everyday companions; they can also be lifesaving in emergencies. With modern sensors and intelligent software, they can detect accidents, monitor health conditions, and call for help in emergencies. But how effective are smartwatches as medical alert devices, even though they are not official medical equipment?
| Also read: | Smartwatches with SOS Function | Smartwatches with Blood Pressure Monitoring | Heart Monitoring Watches |
How do smartwatches detect emergencies?
Some modern smartwatches come equipped with advanced sensors that monitor various health parameters. They offer essential features like SOS emergency calls, fall detection, and alarm functions that can be extremely helpful in medical emergencies.
Key features include:
- Motion sensors: Analyze movement patterns to detect if the wearer has fallen.
- GPS tracking: Enables precise location tracking in emergencies.
- SOS button: An essential emergency feature that immediately calls for help and alerts predefined contacts at the press of a button.
- Heart rate monitoring: Sudden changes can indicate heart issues or stress situations.
- Blood oxygen measurement (SpO2): Low levels can signal shortness of breath or circulatory problems.
How do smartwatches detect falls?
Fall detection is one of the most important features of medical alert devices. Smartwatches like the Kardena® Care SOS 2 with fall detection use motion sensors and algorithms to identify sudden falls. Once a fall is detected, the watch automatically sends a notification to predefined emergency contacts. In some cases, the watch may also vibrate or emit an alarm tone to check if the wearer is responsive.
Can smartwatches make automatic emergency calls?
Yes, many smartwatches can automatically send SOS calls to stored emergency contacts or even directly to emergency services. Some models also have an SOS button that the wearer can press to initiate an emergency call.
Many models come with GPS tracking, allowing rescuers to know the wearer’s exact location, which is particularly important for seniors or people with health issues.
The best smartwatches for detecting medical emergencies
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Kardena Care SOS 2 with Fall Detection & GPS
- Automatic fall detection with emergency call function
- GPS tracking for location detection
- SOS button for quick help
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Apple Watch Series 9
- Fall detection and automatic SOS calls
- Heart rate and ECG monitoring
- GPS tracking for emergencies
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Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
- Integrated SOS emergency call function
- Fall detection and pulse monitoring
- Notify emergency contacts at the press of a button
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- Comprehensive health monitoring (heart rate, blood oxygen, temperature)
- Fall detection and SOS function
- Ideal for seniors and individuals with health risks
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Garmin Venu 2 Plus
- SOS calls and live tracking
- Fall detection with emergency contact notifications
- Integrated health monitoring
Who are SOS emergency smartwatches suitable for?
SOS emergency smartwatches are especially useful for the following groups:
- Seniors: Particularly helpful for quick assistance in case of falls or health issues, promoting independence in daily life.
- People with chronic conditions: Ideal for continuous monitoring of vital signs like heart rate and blood oxygen, which can be lifesaving in emergencies.
- Athletes and outdoor enthusiasts: Provide added safety during solo activities by detecting falls and automatically making emergency calls.
Are smartwatches suitable as medical alert devices?
Smartwatches are not medical devices but serve as valuable support tools in emergencies. They can detect accidents, monitor vital signs, and automatically call for help when needed. Especially for seniors or individuals with health issues, they are a meaningful addition to traditional emergency call systems.
