My Apple Watch called an ambulance after I fell unconscious – it saved my life
A MAN’S life was saved when his Apple Watch alerted the paramedics after he passed out.
Joe Plumb told the paramedics that the device had called them after he suffered a potentially fatal hypoglycemic attack, causing him to collapse.
Joe was diagnosed as a type 1 diabetic at age nine and said he would be forever grateful for his Apple Watch saving his life in November 2021.
He recalled the day was a typical lazy Sunday in his house on his own when the next thing he knew, there was a team of paramedics around him.
Joe said his condition has been exhausting and that it’s not the first time he has collapsed from a hypoglycemic attack, which can leave him feeling shaky, confused and very tired.
He said he’s suffered a number of episodes of Diabetic Ketoacidosis in the past, which is a life-threatening condition that can lead to a coma and, ultimately, organ failure.
But, had it not been for his Apple Watch’s advanced medical monitoring, he might have died: “I very easily could have ended up in a coma, or worse.
“I never thought I would have to use it – but I reckoned that it couldn’t hurt, could it?”
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Speaking to Metro.co.uk, Joe said he bought the watch to help with his complex medical conditions as he lived on his own and wanted the extra protection.
The watch has a built-in fall detection which can sound an alarm and alert emergency services, and designated emergency contacts if you don’t respond.
Joe said his sugar levels were normally well-controlled and he usually caught the signs of a hypoglycemic attack before collapsing, meaning he’s never needed to rely on his watch before.
He said: “When I came round, I saw medical personnel surrounding me, inserting a glucose IV drip into my veins.”
“I saw my dad watching closely with worry on his face. Luckily, he had arrived in time with a key to let everyone in so my door didn’t have to be broken down.”
“The paramedics were incredibly impressed when they discovered that it was my Apple Watch that had alerted them – and mentioned that if more people had these devices (especially those who live alone) it could save many more lives.”
While Joe said that while some may be concerned over the security of his personal data, to him, the risk to his life outweighed the hypothetical concern.
Wearable tech saved my life – and could save yours
Joe Plumb
He said: “For me, I have never really worried about this as there’s so much about me online already.
“I would say that saving your life is the priority and this information is only shared with those who really need it.
“I’d rather do that and save my life, than not have the information there and leave myself at greater risk.”
According to Diabetes.co.uk, over four million people in the UK are living with Diabetes, as Joe thinks more people should use wearable tech to help them in case the worst happens.
Joe added: “It’s incredibly important for those who have diabetes to manage their condition carefully, and also for those who are more vulnerable to safeguard themselves from any kind of medical crisis.
“The peace of mind this one device has given to myself and my family is invaluable.”
“Now, I can live with less anxiety – I’m determined not to let it rule my life.
“Wearable tech saved my life – and could save yours, especially when you least expect it.”