Fallen Detection & Notification App

Recently, I have been thinking about what would occur if I fell down and either could not manage to get myself up or became unconscious whether within my apartment or elsewhere.

The fact is that I could not manage to afford one of those devices that can be used in such cases where emergency responders can be contacted and then be dispatched to the scene.

While in the process of thinking about this type of scenario and what potential options might be with which to address it, what came to mind is about how I already have the technology on my wrist, my Fitbit Charge 3 model fitness tracker smartwatch, that could do just what is needed should something along the above lines ever happen.

What would be required is to include an app within its main app that people with the device could select and program with contact information and the like for if and when something happens, like a fall or other need for assistance or alert 911.

So, with this in mind, I just called Fitbit and provided them with the details of my idea and the person who took my call wrote it up and will be passing along my suggestion for potential consideration.

Am hoping that Fitbit will seriously consider doing something meaningful along these lines. It could help save some lives.

346 Comments
Pudsbeaut
First Steps
Good question
ChronicPain
Jogger

this suggestion stream is a waste of time. The people at Fitbit dont give a rats arse. This feature woill not appear on fitbit. Garmin (difficult) Apple (superb) and Samdung (dont kinow) othe rthan specialised medical services offer this feature. Fitbit is not competing with them. one my sense has dies like my previous fitbit I will be chooosing another brand. 

Kathymaestroup
First Steps
Added fall detection feature to send sos to contacts and or 911
YojanaFitbit
Moderator Alum
Moderator Alum

Hi @Kathymaestroup, thanks for taking the time to share this suggestion about adding fallen detection to Fitbit devices. I've moved it into a similar request. You can learn more about how Fitbit decides what suggestions get released in our FAQs.

 

Thank you again for your participation in the Feature Suggestions Forums.

ajajajajajaj
Recovery Runner

Add fall detection feature to Versa 3

 

Illustration of idea 

 

075ed451115c2e51aff479e9387ca9c8.png

YojanaFitbit
Moderator Alum
Moderator Alum

Hi @ajajajajajaj, thanks for taking the time to share this suggestion about having a "Fallen Detection" option for Fitbit devices. I've moved it into a similar request. You can learn more about how Fitbit decides what suggestions get released in our FAQs.

 

Thank you again for your participation in the Feature Suggestions Forums.

Marteeny
First Steps
I am a senior living in a senior community. There are a lot of us with smart watches. Because of the demographic here, many have switched from Fitbit to Apple solely because of the great Fall Detection feature. I hate the thought of switching.., I'd have to switch my phone also. Hopefully you'll catch up to Apple and offer this feature soon...
YojanaFitbit
Moderator Alum
Moderator Alum

Hi @Marteeny, thanks for taking the time to share this suggestion about adding "Fall detection" feature. I've moved it into a similar request. Click on the thumbs-up to show your support. You can learn more about how Fitbit decides what suggestions get released in our FAQs

 

Thank you again for your participation in the Feature Suggestions Forums.

Gregjan
Jogger

I recently switched to an iPhone and an Apple Watch for fall detection. The fall detection, the watch worked well for this. However I returned the the Watch because I didn’t like the features and it had to be charged every day. I found the Buddy app that has fall detection plus a lot of great features for seniors for $10 a month. The company provided unbelievable customer support. I was on a video call with two techs to resolve my issues. I just got set up this week and I am happy to have my Fitbit back.

Mombom
First Steps
Does this app work with your iPhone?
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
Gregjan
Jogger

yes it does  its the buddy app by Buddy life. 

Mombom
First Steps
Great thank you!

Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
ejcrotty
First Steps

Really need fall detection and SOS reachout from fitbit smartwatch ( and tracker if feasible!! ) -  Apple watch enables it by default for anyone over 55.  The thought of switching to apple sickens me.  Buddy app seems to have detection ( so the hardware can obviously do it )  but $10 a month?  crazy.  This is really something which should be built in by default.    Sense, Versa, Charge - just make it happen!

Jimcoates47
Jogger
Been advocating for this for years ever since I fell in the bathroom and it
took me 1hr 20min to get to a phone. I don't understand why Fitbit can't
incorporate it into the phones. They have all of the detectors already
installed and many people want it. Also many other smart phones already
have it
Knot8989
First Steps
I have a droid and a Samsung watch and it has fall detect....I love it.  I got tired of fitbit giving me the run around on when they were going to have the fall detect.   I am not an apple person, I find the Samsung does what I need. 
Jimcoates47
Jogger
Thank you!
Fab31t
Recovery Runner
The proposal is to enable Fitbit watch to detect falls or crashes and to use the phone (if connected) to transmit key information (position, ...) to emergency contacts
YojanaFitbit
Moderator Alum
Moderator Alum

Hi @Fab31t, thanks for taking the time to share this suggestion about using 'Fallen Detection' feature to send notifications to emergency contacts. I've moved it into a similar request. You can learn more about how Fitbit decides what suggestions get released in our FAQs. Click on the thumbs-up to show your support.

 

Thank you again for your participation in the Feature Suggestions Forums.

yorkshirefloy
Jogger
These features are already available on smart watches like Apple watches
YojanaFitbit
Moderator Alum
Moderator Alum

Hi @yorkshirefloy, thanks for taking the time to share this suggestion about including 'Fallen detection with notifications' feature on Fitbit devices. I've moved it into a similar request. You can learn more about how Fitbit decides what suggestions get released in our FAQs. Click on the thumbs-up to show your support.

 

Thank you again for your participation in the Feature Suggestions Forums.

AmyTaulman
First Steps

My mom loves her Fitbit, but she and my father are getting to the age where I worry about them falling. I'm debating between a Sense 2 and an Apple watch for both of them for Christmas. My mom really likes all the health tracking she's done through her Fitbit Charge 3 and the Fitbit dashboard, and would hate to have to switch. But currently I will have to buy them Apple watches if I want to be sure that they get help if they fall.

Admittedly, if they fall and are conscious, they will be able to call me or 911 themselves once bluetooth calling is enabled on the Sense 2. However, the most dangerous falls, and the ones for which they would need 911, are the kinds that leave them unconscious afterward, such as stroke, heart attack, diabetic coma, or simply hard falls with head injury.

Please let us know when this is on the product development roadmap.

MadHattr
First Steps

This will add to what Fitbit offers users (fitter, or just general users) - and would reduce the need to look at a competitor's product for the same.

I wouldn't use Apple products for me - but have considered switching to a Doro mobile phone, which has this functionality designed-in.
If Fitbit can design this in to measure number, and severity (or impact - no pun intended!) of falls, this could open up Fitbit to a wider range of users - they will have a need for something like this.

 

How soon can something like this be added in?  🙂

ChronicPain
Jogger

Gday MadHattr

 

This function has been requested many many times. Fitbit do not want to capture this type of market. Those that are at risk and need helpful tools.are not the client bae fitbit wants. Look and see how many times fall detection has been requested and a moderator just moves it in to the junk files called Fallen Detection requests.

Rose2489
First Steps

Yep I have long moved on to my Galaxy Watch, even though it doesn't sync to WW and some other apps like Fitbit does.  I have accidentally set off my fall alert a couple times and it works excellently.   I did like my Fitbit.  

colevirginia
First Steps

I just purchased a sense 2 and I was surprised fall detection was not an app for this device.  Fall detection is a wonderful idea and should be included as an updated app soon.  

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