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.

349 Comments
Bonacheeta
First Steps

I had my Versa 2 for over a year and just switched to a Samsung Active 2 that has FALL DETECTION. I skate alone outside often and have taken a tumble last year that luckily I was able to get up and walk (skate?) away from. If that happens again and no one is around, I don't want to get stranded. Why did this device get released with the IDEA that they would eventually offer it? I have no idea. Everywhere I research on the Versa 2 said that it would include fall detection and it was NEVER implemented. I am really disappointed in the lack of this feature as well as the lack of apps that this device could support.

MarkMelvin
First Steps

I’m not a hardware or software guy, but if the Fitbit can tell when I flip my wrist to look at the screen, I believe that those same sensors can tell if I drop on the ground. It has to be more a matter of will than technology. Make it part of the premium subscription; I'll happily pay a little for the protection.

Thanx - Mark 
"Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple."- Dr. Seuss

Moderator edit:  removed personal information

 

Mgeotsa
First Steps
$30-40/mo is in the same price range as other fall detection & notification
services. It'd be appealing as at least the device on my wrist would be a
multitasker & less stigmatizing. Other services like MobileGuardian or
MedicalAlert include fall detection but the devices are ungainly & quite
frankly ugly. Some are evsn limited to a home-based receiving unit w hard
phone line! Not for me.

Can anyone share the name of a downloadable app that can link to Fitbit or
am I still going to switch to Samsung?
Guy_
Space Racer

@Mgeotsa  Try Valrt - no monthly fees and therefore makes choice of watch easier.

 

Though agreed it should exist within the App, but given some possible sync issues - it might not be as reliable as the real thing but better than nothing in case it works.

 

As Fitbit are about health, avoiding dying because of an undetected fall should make it top of their priority list to incorporate.

 

The watch is technically very capable of detecting a fall and combined with heart rate changes, stress and motion [or non motion] changes could make it quite reliable against false alerts.

Guy_
Space Racer

Try Valrt - no monthly fees and therefore makes choice of watch easier.

 

Though agreed it should exist within the App, but given some possible sync issues - it might not be as reliable as the real thing but better than nothing in case it works.

 

As Fitbit are about health, avoiding dying because of an undetected fall should make it top of their priority list to incorporate.

 

The watch is technically very capable of detecting a fall and combined with heart rate changes, stress and motion [or non motion] changes could make it quite reliable against false alerts.

Danaemborsky
First Steps
Thanks for the heads up about V.alrt. I do believe Fitbit has lost me as a
potential customer. Too bad the Fitbit Sense was so appealing. Thanks again.
kent.melody
First Steps

Please make this a feature! I just recently purchased my mother a fitbit sense for all of its amazing features, but she fell down the stair, was unconscious for who knows how long before she was able to call for help. The fall detection will give lots of people a great sense of comfort.

tcd1558
First Steps

I have been waiting for a watch/tracker with fall detection in the Android universe for several years now. I was banking on the Google Watch, but they keep on postponing it. With the sensors inside the fitbit watches/trrackers, Please add this capability. This could have reduced the pain I have suffered (2x hospitalization). 

raymondcR
Jogger

This is the #1 reason why I can't purchase Fitbits for my family.

I need safety features prioritized on wearables.

DepletedZPM
Jogger

+1 on this.  For safety, I'm now using an LTE watch with fall detection (not Apple) in addition to a Charge 4 -- Fitbit is sticky!

LeeLing
First Steps

An automatic fall detection feature would be really good. My mother is in her 90s and is still active but has dementia so she does not know (and will not be able to learn/remember) how to use a watch, phone or to push a button.  I am looking for a device or watch she could wear that would detect if she has fallen and then automatically notify user-defined emergency contacts and/OR 911 (the users choice) by phone, text and email (again, user choice).  Most of the options I’ve seen assumes that the user will be able to KNOW and UNDERSTAND to push a button. Apple watches have this functionality but they automatically dial 911. The user does not have a choice to disable this auto dial.  It would also need to be able to be used without a mobile phone because if the wearer doesn’t know know how (understand) to push a button to activate the alert, then they will probably not have a mobile phone for the same reason—they won’t know how to use it.  This device or watch would be for the caregiver or family’s benefit.  Other useful functions could be steps, heart rate, pulse rate, sleep, ECG/EKG, temperature, respiration rate, etc.. It should also be water resistant and be fairly small (think of someone elderly) and not look like a sports watch.  If this is developed within the next 3-6 months, I would definitely buy it. I need one now!

PamQuick
First Steps

I desperately want to buy the new Fitbit Sense for my mom and mother in law but without fall detection I am going to have to go with the Apple Watch SE. We all have Fitbits and love them and I want to be able to stick with it but I don’t think we can if there is not plan to implement this feature!!! Please tell me you are changing the plan to include it. 

CRHARLEY
First Steps

In complete agreement with this - I was about to buy one of these for my Mum for Mothers day as she lives alone but now will have to look at other brands.  We liked the Sense because of the ECG (not that it's available in AUS yet) but it needs to have the fall detection more,

odione
Jogger

I would love to see fall detection added to a Fitbit device or smartwatch. My parents have ADT fall detection, but the way the devices are designed with a large button on the front, the button gets pushed accidentally all the time. Additionally, they don't detect falls without having the button pushed - defeating the purpose of the device. Apple watches include fall detection with the ability to send a notice or make a call to a pre-determined emergency contact. This would be a HUGE selling point on the Fitbit smartwatch and also falls in line with your reason for existence - make everyone in the world healthier.

RLME
Stepping Up

It is time for me to drop my brand loyalty to Fitbit. After 7 years.

I have had four trackers and enjoyed them all. But now I need fall detection, desperately. And I'm not so attached that I won't switch. Looks like a Galaxy Watch may be in my future.

Lucyy
First Steps
A feature to detect sudden falls. This is useful for those who exercise alone and may injure themselves.
A notification can be sent to an emergency contact who can then call to ensure safety.
The apple watch has this feature, so maybe I will just buy apple instead.
YojanaFitbit
Moderator Alum
Moderator Alum

Hi @Lucyy, thanks for explaining why you would like to have the option to see "Fallen Detection" feature with the option to send an alert notification. I've moved it into a similar request. I think that a lot of users would like to have this option on their Fitbit devices.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.

Afmakm
Recovery Runner

I purchased my dad a charge 4 and he loves it. One thing he was requesting was fall notifications. He is 86 and lives alone. If he falls at home it could be a day or two before anyone noticed. His 90 year old sister recently fell from the bottom step to her basement. She broke her right leg and left foot. It was 10 am on a Saturday and she knew her daughter would bring her lunch on Sunday. She spent over 24 hours laying on a concrete floor with multiple broken bones. This needs to be a 24/7 fall detection that notifies one to multiple people that something is wrong. This would be a great feature for many elderly and a little peace of mind for a son who is trying to give his father independence while still trying to provide a safety net. My dad loves his charge 4 and it has helped him be more active. He did 16,000 steps the other day. He told me he over did it! This would be a great benefit to a vulnerable population.

Mgeotsa
First Steps
Thanks for your recommendation. I certainly like the price range especially
when on sale.

Unfortunately based on specs it appears Charge 4 can text notify if cell
phone is on & nearby. But one has to be conscious to use the feature. It's
similar to having my phone always within reach. I need water resistant
wrist band that automatically notifies emergency contacts if a hard fall is
device detected as I may not be conscious.

My last call to Fitbit confirmed they have no devices that meet my
particular needs & that they do not currently have one under development.
Samsung Galaxy & newer Apple watches have hard fall detection &
notification but lack some fitness tracking features.

I think Charge & Versa products helpful for many safety need & health
situations. Just not mine.

Again, thanks for sharing.
honeypudd
Jogger
Changed to Apple Watch - best thing I did!

Sent from my iPhone
Afmakm
Recovery Runner

Hi Mgeotsa First Steps and honeypudd jogger,

 

The Apple Watch and phone are out of the price range for many fixed income elderly. It is a great feature for sure, but if is out of their price range they can't have it.

I think having the watch do it all is great but not necessary. Most elderly don't live in big houses. I know my dad's Fitbit stays connected to his phone anywhere in the house and even his small yard. Of course when he is in his yard he has his phone with him.

I know one problem is being able to push a button when you have a fall. An elderly lady from church fell at her home, she has one of those emergency push buttons around her neck. She fell, and didn't have the strength to get to and push the button. I see the important aspect is using what is already in the watch and automatically using the phone to text or call so they get help quickly.

 

---------------------------------------

 

One other thing to note. It also doesn't necessarily need to send a GPS location when one falls either. In my dad's case I can see where he is at through Google maps. All I need to know is has he fallen 

 

Leacav
First Steps
I would love a device with this. Apple offer this but I dont have an apple phone and much prefer fitbit. I'm in middle of tests for seizures and this feature would be extremely useful for my safety
LizzyFitbit
Premium User
Fitbit Moderator
Fitbit Moderator

Hi @Leacav, thanks for sharing this suggestion about having a fall detection feature with us. This idea was already requested in the Feature Suggestions board, so I’ve moved your post here. This will help us to make sure the suggestions don't get confused, or split a popular vote. Click on the thumbs-up to show your support.

Mars99
First Steps

We live in an ageing population. The number of people over 60 (baby Boomers) and the life span increases make fall detection a most important

feature. MANY people are switching to the apple watch (and phone) for just this reason.

Rhiannon
Recovery Runner

I cannot overstate just how critically important a Fall Detection feature is. I currently use the Sense,  and am delighted with it EXCEPT for its lack of this feature. I have been a devoted FitBit user since 2012, but have been seriously considering switching to Apple or Samsung device in order to have this feature.  I can hold out a little longer, but not much. People have been begging for this feature, and thus far, nothing has been forthcoming from FitBit. Kindly give a timely and informative response...it's really simple....yes, or no??

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