Flight Emergency: Apple Watch to the Rescue

By: Insha Hashmi

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Updated on: 25-Jan-2024

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Apple Watch's health monitoring qualifications have proven life- saving in a recent flight incident. A doctor successfully used the watch's blood oxygen capability to diagnose and manage a severe illness, eventually saving the woman's life, pressing the significant impact wearable technology can have in real- world heads.

A 70-year-old British woman had respiratory problems on a flight from the UK to Italy. Rashid Riaz, an NHS doctor, came on board and inquired about the availability of an Apple Watch to track her health. This instance demonstrates the value of wearable technology in giving real-time health data during crises.

Also Read: Apple Watch Saves UK CEO's Life During Heart Attack

Dr. Riaz used the Apple Watch's health-monitoring features to track a woman's oxygen levels during an in-flight emergency. The gadget warned her of low oxygen levels and a history of cardiac issues, giving critical information for her early and informed response throughout the journey.

"The Apple Watch helped me find out the patient had low oxygen saturation," Dr. Riaz responded, emphasizing the wearable device's vital function in dealing with the mid-flight emergency. Responding quickly, he requested an on-board oxygen cylinder from the flight crew. This allowed Dr. Riaz to actively monitor and stabilize the woman's oxygen levels, guaranteeing her safety until the plane arrived in Italy almost an hour later. The event highlights the Apple Watch's real-time health monitoring features and their potential influence in crucial scenarios.

Dr. Riaz accentuated the possible role of Apple Watches in emergency response during flights, but cautioned that Apple's blood oxygen app is not officially meant for medical use. The app's withdrawal on Series 9 and Ultra 2 Apple Watches was owing to a patent disagreement with Masimo, resulting in a temporary sales halt. This event underscores the confluence between consumer electronics and healthcare, generating continuing concerns about its use in emergency circumstances.