Thinking of getting a Watch 9 but have a question about emergencies. Example problem: in my 70s, if I fall in the garden and cannot get up, I want the phone to automatically message 1-3 contacts but without contacting emergency services. Can that be done please?
I have an iPhone 14 Pro but not always on me. Family members have iPhones.
Thanks for any help
Andrew
iPad Pro
No, watch will give you 1 minute to respond and if no response, will notify emergency services. After notifying ES, texts will be sent to your emergency contacts listed.
>>Here's how it works
When you make a call with Emergency SOS, your Apple Watch automatically calls local emergency services and shares your location with them.
When the call ends, your Apple Watch sends your emergency contacts a text message with your current location, unless you choose to cancel. For a period of time after you enter SOS mode, your emergency contacts receive updates when your location changes. Learn how to add emergency contacts.<<
You can learn more at the link below.
No, watch will give you 1 minute to respond and if no response, will notify emergency services. After notifying ES, texts will be sent to your emergency contacts listed.
>>Here's how it works
When you make a call with Emergency SOS, your Apple Watch automatically calls local emergency services and shares your location with them.
When the call ends, your Apple Watch sends your emergency contacts a text message with your current location, unless you choose to cancel. For a period of time after you enter SOS mode, your emergency contacts receive updates when your location changes. Learn how to add emergency contacts.<<
You can learn more at the link below.
Essentially you have the ability you want now. If you fall, you have a minute to disable the feature of automatically calling ES. If you’re unconscious, your Apple Watch goes into action following its priorities, first calling ES and then secondly texting your emergency contacts and then updating them via text about your location. So, if ES arrives and transports to the ER, your emergency contacts will be texted your location as it updates.
If you’re not unconscious, you have a minute to disable the calling of ES. Once you’ve disabled contacting you can say, say, >Hey Siri< please text or please call one of your emergency contacts.
Thanks Jeff. That’s what I thought but hoped there was the option I describe as well. That said, I see the logic of the system as is. But I don’t want to be phoning emergency services every time I fall down. If I message my family, who live very close, they can make that decision and avoid wasting time for emergency services at the cost of a few minutes or even seconds. I will have to do a ‘work round’ for the alternative. Can I create a suitable one touch (or double tap?) macro to message selected contacts without alerting Emergency Services first?
My worry is Apple have created a very useful but rather blunt instrument that could potentially flood Emergency services with unnecessary calls. What I want is: A) if I fall and am conscious - to be able to message appropriate contacts for help, but B: if I fall and am unconscious, for the watch to automatically contact Emergency services and then my contacts as you describe.
What I want is: A) if I fall and am conscious - to be able to message appropriate contacts for help, but B: if I fall and am unconscious, for the watch to automatically contact Emergency services and then my contacts as you describe.
An Watch isn't sophisticated enough to determine your level of consciousness! Perhaps with the release of Watch series 19 it will be.
M1 Mac mini, macOS 14.6.1; Watch, series 7 GPS/cellular, watchOS 10.6; iPhone 12 Pro, iOS 17.6.1; TV 4th Gen, tvOS 17.6; HomePods, audioOS 17.6 and Airport Express w/ Airplay 2
But I am, of course. That’s my point. But the work round is easy I think. Cancel the Emergency call within the 10 seconds and ask Siri to message / call my elected contacts. Done.
My global concern for ER departments remains, though. I think the inevitable pressure from them on Apple (in my opinion) will expedite change by Apple before Series 19!!! The need to call a contact is far more numerous than calling an ambulance.
Thanks for your help and advice. I will go ahead with buying one.
You should also be aware that new Watch models will probably be released in September. O don’t predict the future better than anyone else, but historically, new models are released in September. While your health should always come first, you may want to wait for new models to be released and either get the latest and greatest or get a better deal on the current Series 9. Nothing wrong with saving a few $$$.
Sometimes, ES has been contacted by various Apple devices in error, but not to level of swamping them as you fear.
Apple Watch 9 emergency messaging without calling emergency services
