The Apple Watch is more than just a stylish accessory. With powerful sensors and clever software, it packs essential safety features that might go unnoticed – features that could save your life or someone you love. Whether you’re a worried parent, an active adventurer, or anyone in between, here’s why it’s important to get familiar with these Apple Watch tools:
ECG: Monitoring Your Heart, Anytime
An electrocardiogram (ECG) tracks your heart’s electrical activity and can give early signs of trouble. Your Apple Watch Series 4 or later includes an ECG app that uses its heart sensor for simple on-the-spot checks. Here’s how to get it working:
- Get Set Up: In the Health app on your iPhone, go to ‘Browse’ -> ‘Heart’ -> ‘Electrocardiograms’ -> ‘Set Up’.
- Taking a Reading: Open the ECG app, rest your arms on a flat surface, and hold your opposite finger on the Digital Crown for 30 seconds. Keep still for accurate results!
- Understanding Results: Look for ‘sinus rhythm,’ ‘atrial fibrillation,’ low/high heart rate, or ‘inconclusive.’ An inconclusive result may just mean you moved during the test.
Crash Detection: Automatic SOS After an Accident
Apple Watch Series 8, Series 9, and SE (2nd generation) incorporate crash detection – a potential lifesaver if you’re in a severe car accident. Using high-tech sensors and data like location and sudden loud noises, your watch can detect a collision.
- How it Works: When a crash is detected, an alert appears on the watch with an option to call emergency services. If you don’t respond within 20 seconds, it triggers the call, relaying your location.
- Important: For this to work, ensure you have location settings enabled and have the ability to contact emergency services from your smartwatch.
Wrist Temperature: Subtle Changes, Powerful Insights
Found in the Apple Watch Ultra, Series 8, and Series 9, Wrist Temperature Tracking monitors your temperature overnight. This creates a baseline and highlights variations from it, providing clues about your overall health.
- Not a Thermometer: Wrist temperature can only track trends, not give on-demand readings.
- Setup: You’ll need sleep tracking enabled and about five nights of wear for the baseline to form.
- Find Your Data: Dive into the Health app and go to ‘Browse’ -> ‘Body Measurements’ -> ‘Wrist Temperature.’ Data can provide helpful discussions with your doctor.
Emergency SOS: Reach Help Fast
Whether in danger or unable to reach your phone, the Emergency SOS function can quickly alertemergency services. Here’s how it’s done:
- How to Trigger: Press and hold the side button below the Apple Watch’s crown. A slider appears to call emergency services – drag it, or continue holding the button for an automatic countdown.
- Sharing Your Location: If configured in the Health App (‘Medical ID’ -> ‘Emergency Contacts’), Emergency SOS will also text pre-chosen contacts with your current location.
Peace of Mind on Your Wrist
We hope you never need to use these features, but knowing they’re there might just offer invaluable peace of mind for yourself and your loved ones. Now that you’re familiar with their functions, make sure to set them up on your Apple Watch so it’s ready if the time ever comes.
