Wearable technology is also known as Smart wearables are basically simple devices fitted with more robust and sophisticated technology. Examples of smart wearables are smartwatches, fitness trackers, smart glasses etc. With the rapid development of microprocessors and sensors, smart wearable manufacturers are bringing better and more evolved products every year with more features and new technology.
One of the primary uses of smart wearables is to measure health-related activities. Smart wearables are equipped with a range of sensors like ECG monitors, Blood Oxygen Saturation monitors, 3-axis accelerometers and many more. All of them work together to measure accurate data which it either displays on its in-built screen or transfers to the connected smartphone with the help of Bluetooth.
As wearables are getting more and more popular day by day, they are also being recognized for their life-saving features. We will take a look.
Advanced Fall Detection Technology
Fall detection technology has helped reduce the time one has to wait for emergency medical care after a severe fall. Fall detector devices are generally fitted with advanced accelerometers which determine the magnitude of the fall with the help of software. The software is designed in such a way that it calculates the intensity of the fall and waits for a few seconds to receive further signals for heartbeat and motion related data. With the data it can identify the seriousness of the fall and immediately call the emergency responders, also sending alerts to emergency contacts and family members.
With the advancement in technology, the devices can also alert the emergency team about the exact precise location of the patient by also displaying his vitals and blood group on the watch display itself. In the world of interconnected devices, the fall devices are being implemented in various devices letting them communicate between themselves for faster contact with the emergency responders. Apple Watch and Galaxy watches are one of the most famous smartwatches currently available in the market with other dedicated fall detectors like Bay Alarm Medical SOS Mobile Plus and Home & Wellness Co. Reliable Fall Detection Medical Alert Devices.
- ACCIDENT/CRASH Detectors
Crash detection is a very advanced feature that is gaining rapid popularity. Crash detectors work with a combination of various sensors which help them to gain accurate details on whether the person suffered the accident and needs immediate medical care or not. Accelerometers, sound sensors, ambient light sensors as well as health sensors like blood oxygen saturation, ECG and temperature sensors all work together. In the event of a severe car accident which includes front, rear, side and rollovers. When the crash occurs, the loud bang gets immediately recorded by its sensors. It activated the software to accident detection mode.
All the common features other than accident detection get shut down to preserve the battery. The device then detects any temperature fluctuations and lights nearby to check for fire hazards. Based on the rapid heart rate and other calculations it starts to vibrate aggressively along with buzzing, if the owner or anyone else doesn’t move or cancel it out, it proceeds to call emergency services and alert emergency contacts. It plays a prerecorded message and sends out the approximate location of the accident site. Crash detection gets better every year with more advanced software and better sensors. Crash detection is also being brought to cars and smartphones.
- Elderly Care
The rise in the elderly population in recent years due to better healthcare and medicines has led to a rise in the development of wearable technology to support the elderly. The wearable technology helps to remotely monitor blood pressure, Oxygen saturation, ECG, temperature and movement. The complete monitoring system can either be with the patients or if they are too old, they can be remotely monitored by their children or their healthcare providers.
These wearables constantly measure heart rate and movement to keep the patient in check. In case of an emergency, the device can immediately alert the emergency contacts provided it has its memory. More modern wearables have functions that can early detect a heart attack or blood sugar raise or fall. Early detect technology helps save lives better as it gives more time for emergency providers to arrive. The technology is being adopted more in Japan and is spreading rapidly into other regions in Europe.
- Sleep disorders
Abnormal sleep patterns and diseases like Sleep Apnea, which is a potentially life-threatening disorder can easily be detected by modern smart wearables. The manufacturers have got better at analyzing sleep patterns, behaviours and measuring the vitals. The continuous monitoring feature ensures that throughout the day and during sleep, the information is collected regularly and accurately.
Sleep apnea is certainly a life-threatening disease in which a person repeatedly stops breathing during the night when asleep. Regular occurrence of this can lead to various heart conditions and may also result in a heart attack. Smart wearables can easily identify these problems and alert the user if it finds any abnormality. Brands like Samsung, Garmin, Apple and others have made huge progress in the field of sleep tracking and early prediction of issues for a better chance at saving an individual. With growing workloads and hectic lifestyles, sleep abnormalities are getting more and more common, for them, these smart wearables play a major role to help them when no one is awake.
Conclusion
The development in technology with the help of advanced microprocessors and software has opened the gates to more evolved products. Smart wearables are made in such a way that they integrate with our daily lifestyles while maintaining their amazing features. As it integrates so well, it becomes very easy to add features like emergency calling, crash detection and fall detection. Smart wearables have become closer to our body than smartphones, so it easily serves the purpose of an emergency device in case of an accident or other emergencies. Apple Watch itself is said to have saved more than 1000 life in the United States alone. In the future, as wearable tech gets more powerful software, emergencies like water break, accidents, crash, fall, and murder attempts will get detected more easily.
