iPhones unintentionally trigger an alarm while skiing - frustrated rescue services

Created: 2022-12-29 05:22

By: Stella Henrich

The new iPhone 14 has the exclusive car crash detection feature.

But there is still a need for optimization when it comes to skiing.

Rescue services complain about many false alarms.

Munich - The "Crash Detection" and "Fall Detection" features on the Apple iPhone 14 and Apple Watches automatically call the emergency hotline 911 if the devices detect a sudden stop.

This could be the case, for example, in an accident with a car.

The technology has been touted as a lifesaver, but it reveals weaknesses that are still apparent.

There is still a need for optimization, especially for skiers.

According to a report from Colorado, rescue workers there reported a significant increase in false alarms.

Last weekend alone, 71 automatically triggered emergency calls were received as a result of the accident detection integrated into the iPhone and Apple Watch.

None of them were actually linked to an emergency situation.

What is annoying about the work of the helpers is that it makes the work of the operators more difficult.

Because the emergency calls are always associated with measures that unnecessarily increase the workload.

For example, you have to send a team on site if those affected do not respond to a callback.

iPhone triggers an alarm for skiers: emergency services receive automated calls from the slopes

Apple is said to have tried to make automatic accident detection more reliable with the past updates for the new iPhone and Apple Watch models.

But this has obviously still not been achieved effectively.

The Pitkin County 911 Center, for example, receives about 15 to 20 of these automated calls a day from the county's four ski areas, according to the

report .

Dispatchers try to return every call, "but often a call goes unanswered for skiers who keep their phones deep in their pockets," said Brett Loeb, director of the local operations center. 

We spoke to Apple about crash detection this fall and they told us they were aware of the issue and were working on a fix that they plan to release in Q1 2023. 

Brett Loeb, director of the local operations center in Pitkin

Rescuers from the US regions of Grand, Eagle, Routt and Summit also report similar experiences with automated calls from skiers on popular ski hills.

"It's a way of diverting vital resources away from people who actually need them," complains a Summit operations manager.

It is true that many emergency services consider satellite SOS technology to be a great advantage and helpful for mountaineers and skiers.

But the Apple technology is far from mature.

accident on the runway.

The iPhone 14 triggers an emergency call in the event of a crash.

(Iconic image) © Dmitry Feoktistov/imago

iPhone technology triggers false alarms: users are now informed about the function

Since the technology is not yet mature, the emergency services tried to reduce the number of false alarms and the associated additional work with awareness campaigns and recommendations, the US report continues.

On the one hand, they want to make owners of iPhone devices and Apple Watches aware of the existence of the function and the responsibility they have when wearing the devices.

Apple iPhone and Watch

Crash Detection: Apple engineers use Advanced Sensor Fusion technology to detect crashes using data from crash labs, actual crashes and many trips.

The technology uses an accelerometer and gyroscope, GPS, barometer and microphone to detect accidents.

It is designed to call for help when a "major impact" is detected, which can result in major lacerations, broken bones, crushed limbs and crushed organs.

Once the accident detection technology is triggered, an aggressive alarm sounds and begins a 20-second countdown during which users can cancel the 911 call. 

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In addition, there are already first concrete recommendations in Colorado to switch off the emergency call function when visiting official and well-frequented ski areas.

A good tip for skiers who want to hit the skis in Bavaria.

Help the rescuers and do not complicate their extremely important and life-saving work.

Because in Germany, too, emergency services from fire brigades and rescue services as well as many volunteer helpers are faced with enormous strains.

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