How Smartwatches Can Get People Emergency Help Faster

Bright Concierge

21 hours ago

6 min read

Updated: 4 hours ago

Cell phones and smartwatches can do much more than make calls and send messages. Many newer devices include safety features that can help contact emergency services, share a location, and alert trusted people when something goes wrong.

In this article, we’ll look at what smartwatches can do, the difference between standard and cellular models, and how to choose a watch that works well with a phone. Then, we’ll cover Emergency SOS, fall detection, crash detection, and the important setup steps that can make these tools more useful when help is needed.

What can a smartwatch do?

A smartwatch can put calls, messages, activity information, and emergency tools on your wrist. Depending on the model, it may track steps, exercise, sleep, breathing rate, wrist temperature, heart rate and rhythm, and other health information.

Looking at this information over time may help you notice changes in your usual routine. For example, you may notice that you have been walking less than usual or sleeping poorly. These notifications are not a diagnosis. They simply let you know that your device noticed a change that may be worth discussing with your doctor.

Features vary from one watch to another, including between similar-looking models from the same company. Before buying a watch, compare the exact models and make sure they include the features that matter to you.

What is the difference between a standard watch and a cellular watch?

A standard smartwatch connects to your phone through Bluetooth. This means that the watch acts as an extension of your phone, using the phone to communicate. It works best when your phone is nearby and charged. It usually costs less because it does not require a separate monthly watch plan.

A cellular smartwatch has its own mobile connection. It can make calls and use data even when your phone is not nearby. It costs more (usually about $5 to $15 per month) and usually requires a monthly add-on from your phone carrier. Prices may vary by carrier and plan. A cellular watch may be helpful if you take walks, exercise, or travel without your phone.

To recap, if you normally keep a charged phone with you, a standard watch may be enough. If you often leave your phone behind or want another way to call for help, a cellular watch may be worth considering.

Which companies should we buy a smartwatch from?

In most cases, it is easiest to choose a watch made by the same company that made your phone because devices from the same company are usually easier to set up. They are more likely to work smoothly with calls, messages, health information, location sharing, and emergency contacts.

· iPhone users should generally begin by looking at Apple Watch.

· Samsung phone users may find Samsung Galaxy Watch easiest to use.

· Google Pixel phone users may prefer Pixel Watch.

If you would like help comparing smartwatch features, costs, and carrier plan options, email Bright Concierge.

What is the Emergency SOS feature?

Emergency SOS, available on many newer phones and watches, is a quick way to call for help using the buttons on a phone or smartwatch. It can help you contact emergency services without opening the Phone app, entering a passcode, or dialing a number.

Depending on your device and settings, it may:

Call emergency services
Turn on speakerphone so you can speak with the dispatcher
Share your location
Notify your chosen emergency contacts
Send location updates to those contacts

As shown in the images above, sliding the SOS button to the right starts a short countdown before the emergency call is made. To practice, begin the countdown, then tap Cancel before the call starts.

How is the Emergency SOS feature activated?

To use Emergency SOS, most phones and smartwatches have a button, or a combination of buttons, that need to be pressed in a specific way.

The exact steps depend on the brand and model, and because they can vary, be sure to check the instructions for the exact phone or watch. Learn and practice the steps before an emergency happens.

Here are examples of how Emergency SOS can be activated on some devices:

Apple Watch

On many Apple Watches, press and hold the flat side button below the round Digital Crown. As shown in this image, it's easiest to hold one side of the watch with a thumb while pressing the flat side button with a finger.

Keep holding the button until the Emergency Call screen appears. Then either slide the Emergency Call button across the screen to call right away, or continue holding the side button until the watch counts down and places the call automatically. The watch may make a loud sound during the countdown.

iPhone

On many iPhones, press and hold the side button and either volume button at the same time. In the photo below, the index finger is pressing on the volume down button and the thumb is pressing on the side button. Keep holding until the Emergency Call screen appears. Slide the Emergency Call button across the screen to call for help. Some iPhones can also be set up so that pressing the side button five times quickly starts Emergency SOS.

Samsung and Android Devices

Samsung watches and Android phones may use different steps. On many Samsung watches, Emergency SOS is set up to start by quickly pressing the Home or Power button three times. Samsung phones may use five quick presses of the Side button, depending on the settings and model.

If you would like to learn how to use Emergency SOS on your phone or smartwatch, please email Bright Concierge.

What other smartwatch features can keep us safe?

Some devices also offer fall detection and crash detection, which can call for help if you cannot reach your phone or speak clearly.

Fall detection may notice a hard fall and ask whether you are okay. If you do not respond, it may call emergency services and alert your emergency contacts.

Crash detection may recognize a serious vehicle impact. If you do not respond to the alert, it may try to contact emergency services.

These features are not perfect. For example, a watch may not recognize every fall, especially if furniture, an arm, or another surface softens the impact.

Treat automatic detection as a backup. If you are able to start Emergency SOS yourself, do that instead of waiting for the device to recognize a problem.

Who is notified of an emergency?

In addition to contacting emergency services, an iPhone or Apple Watch can alert emergency contacts. These are people chosen in advance to receive a message if Emergency SOS is used.

Choose people who can act quickly, such as a family member, trusted friend, neighbor, caregiver, or front-desk staff member. Make sure their phone numbers are current, and let them know they are listed as an emergency contact.

Give them a simple plan: if they cannot reach you, they should contact a nearby neighbor, the front desk, or emergency services.

Here's how to add emergency contacts on an iphone:

Open the Health app. Look for the white icon with a red heart.
Tap the picture or initials in the top-right corner.
Tap Medical ID, then tap Edit.
Scroll down to Emergency Contacts.
Tap Add Emergency Contact.
Choose a person from Contacts, then choose the relationship, such as “daughter,” “friend,” or “caregiver.”
Tap Done to save.

How is the location of an emergency shared?

During an Emergency SOS call, a phone or smartwatch may share its GPS location with emergency services and emergency contacts. Keep location services turned on so the device can provide accurate information.

For added peace of mind, list a complete emergency address.

Here's how to add an emergency address on an iPhone:

Open the Health app.
Tap the picture or initials in the top-right corner.
Tap Medical ID, then tap Edit.
Scroll down and look for a place to add notes or other important information.
Enter the full address, including the street address, apartment or unit number, floor, building name, and community name, if needed.
Tap Done to save.

Review emergency contacts and address details after moving, changing phones, or changing phone service.

Call Bright Concierge at (602) 612-9000 for help enabling location access on your phone, setting up your emergency contacts, and confirming that your emergency address is correct.

Can a medical alert device help?

A traditional medical alert pendant, bracelet, or in-home system can be simpler than a smartwatch because it has one clear purpose: press the button to get help. Medical alert systems may cost about $40 to $60 per month, depending on the device and service. If you don’t need the everyday features that a smartwatch offers, such as calls, messages, activity tracking, and health notification, an emergency pendant may be a good choice.

If an emergency happens, a phone or smartwatch can help get assistance faster by contacting emergency services, sharing a location, and notifying trusted contacts for you.

If you are considering a smartwatch with emergency services, Bright Concierge can help select one that works with an existing phone, compare standard and cellular options, and set up the device.

On a new device or existing one, Bright Concierge can help you get familiar with its emergency features, including SOS, fall detection, crash detection, location access and location sharing. We can also add or update emergency contacts, enter Medical ID information and a complete emergency address.