Apple’s Crash Detection feature has once again proven its life-saving potential, this time helping a Massachusetts man escape a dangerous situation after his car plunged into a pool. On December 16, Brent Hill, a resident of Easthampton, was driving home when he began feeling unwell and nauseous. Shortly after, he lost consciousness and his vehicle crashed into a neighbor’s pool, flipping upside-down and trapping him underwater.
Apple Watch Comes to the Rescue
When Hill regained consciousness, he heard his Apple Watch activate the Crash Detection feature. The watch had automatically alerted emergency services and connected him to a responder, who calmly guided him through the frightening ordeal. Hill credits the watch with keeping him composed and ensuring that help arrived swiftly.
Reflecting on the harrowing experience, Hill said, “If emergency services hadn’t contacted me through that watch and coached me, I wouldn’t have made it.”
Neighbor’s Perspective
The dramatic moments were captured on security footage from a neighbor’s property, showing Hill’s car speeding into the garage before crashing into the pool. Elizabeth Laprade-Appelquist, a neighbor, also spoke highly of the Apple Watch’s role in the rescue. She remarked, “Emergency services were talking to him even as water was coming in. It was miraculous.”
Apple Watch: A Proven Life-Saver
This is not the first time Apple’s Crash Detection has played a crucial role in saving lives. In 2023, the feature helped rescue a group of people in Germany after their car plummeted 60 feet off a guardrail. These instances underscore the significant impact wearable technology can have in critical situations.
The Power of Technology in Emergencies
Apple’s continuous improvements in safety features highlight how technology can be a powerful tool in real-life emergencies. For Brent Hill, the Apple Watch wasn’t just another gadget—it was a literal lifeline.
As wearable tech continues to evolve, stories like this serve as a reminder of how these devices can make a profound difference, offering protection when it’s needed most.