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
BigRalphN
Runner
Make sure you have a, Galaxy Phone. Otherwise not all features are
available. I just dumped them for that reason.
Rose2489
First Steps
Yes, I already have and S8, but I think I'm going to have to upgrade to the S20 for it to work.
hmunoz3859
First Steps
Thanks

Sent from my iPhone
NCChiq
Jogger

Yes!  Fall detection that is thoroughly tested and works every time.  (One YouTube review by a very active and fit senior showed the Samsung Watch3 fall detection worked 2 out of 5 times.)  The watch needs to notify ICE contacts of location and be able to call 911 if necessary.  

Orlai
Jogger

A fall detector is a great idea, could either call you phone or a nominated number and if no answer call 112, 999 or 911r. You could also add in an alert level which can be set to high if your horse riding, cycling or infirm and lowered for everyday .

BigRalphN
Runner
I already switched to Apple Watch and got a ne IPhone. I swore I never would but both are very nice. The only features missing are temperature and stress(which is pretty much useless at this point). I put the Sense up for sale. Here is a good one. You can’t just delete your info to sell it. If you do a factory reset it does not shut off. It reboots to the pairing screen with no way of turning it off. So you either leave your info on until turning it over or reset it and let the battery drain to zero. Dumbest thing ever.

Sent from my iPhone
MarkMelvin
First Steps
This looks like cool app. It uses the watch face, maybe so that it's always on. I had heard that Apple doesn't allow apps to access the phone, but either that's not true or Buddy foun
"Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple."- Dr. Seuss
rickismom
Recovery Runner
Unfortunately these add on apps are only good in the USA; I need something
that works abroad; an integral part of the fitbit app. (And preferably NOT
just for the high end ones! Lots of seniors don't need all the chimes and
whistles of a high end fitbit. )
kalenam
Jogger
FitBit must install a fall detection feature, but has even said they won't develop one. I have run across a company called LiveFreely that has developed a fall detection app called BUDDY that can be installed on the FitBit (buddylife.com). If FitBit is not going to create it themselves, they should at least work with other companies to install it.
YojanaFitbit
Moderator Alum
Moderator Alum

Hi @kalenam, thanks for explaining why you would like to have the option to use a "Fallen Detection" and notification. Thanks for sharing your feedback. I've moved it into a similar request.  A lot of users are asking for this option, I hope we receive updates soon.

Kabrina56
Recovery Runner
I’ve finally gone ahead and purchased an iwatch 6 after owning 3 Fitbits. My Ionic died after 18 months and Fitbit offered no warranty. And still no fall alert!

Sent from my iPhone
alex-w
Base Runner
When a user falls and is not able to get up the Sense should send two messages including GPS location to EMS in Australia 000 and three selected emails.
rickismom
Recovery Runner
Well, fitbit, after years of using your products happily (4-5 fitbits), and
after months of waiting to see if you would at least make an app change,
you lost my business over this. Last night I bought a watch from your
competitor who gives this old lady who lives alone a bit more security.
Danaemborsky
First Steps

It seems so perfect a feature to add fall detection to such an advanced technology tool as the FitBit Sense. To be able to automatically contact emergency contacts, this is what I need.

Status changed to: Reviewed By Moderator
YojanaFitbit
Moderator Alum
Moderator Alum

Hi @alex-w, and thanks for taking the time to share this suggestion about adding "Fall Detection" mode in Fitbit Sense. We rely on feedback like yours to help us develop products and features that we know our community wants to see. If this suggestion receives votes from other customers and gains popularity, it will be shared internally with various teams at Fitbit. To learn more about how Fitbit decides which suggestions get developed, visit our FAQs.

Watch this space for status updates. In the meantime, try visiting Health & Wellness to talk with other members about all things health and fitness.

StanOcean
Jogger

I agree fitbit should have fall detection or else they will fall behind to apple!! someone needs to develop it!

Zannie
Recovery Runner

After years of wearing a Fitbit since it’s inception I switched a couple of months ago to an Apple Watch because of the fall detect. I absolutely hate to watch and the fall detect has failed twice. In my opinion FitBit has such a superior product I am amazed that they don’t have fall detect on their newer models. Please please please add this feature so I can go back to my beloved FitBit!

Paige606
Jogger

The Fitbit sense, or Fitbit versa 3 needs the fall detection, emergancy alert, I would have bought it if it had these features, but I had to choose the Apple Watch SE for a older person because they have the needed features, if Fitbit can add these features before Christmas, will switch the Apple Watch SE for Fitbit Sense or Versa 3

chartjes
Jogger
It would be wonderful to add Fall Detection/notification to Versa 3
JuanFitbit
Premium User
Fitbit Moderator
Fitbit Moderator

Hi @chartjes , thank you for sharing your feedback regarding your suggestion . As the idea already exists, I moved it here. 

Please don't forget to leave your kudos for it. 

Guy_
Space Racer

I ask Fitbit to look at the V.Alrt product and incorporate its features into the Fitbit watch/app.

 

It would avoid having to remember to wear 2 devices.

 

And potentially a much better solution with the Fitbit accelerometer sensitivity.

 

Fall detection is a great idea for the increasingly aging population who would be wearing a smartwatch anyway for its other health benefits.

 

If a Fitbit was able to also save a life it would be a HUGE success, not just a health benefit.

mjm2463
Jogger

I received the fitbit sense for Christmas and one of the the reasons was for the ecg because I suffer from afib and am at risk of stroke.  I was quite dismayed that fall down detector was not a function of the sense..

You should revisit this option and make it available asap it would be great for your sales and great service to your customers.. 

Is there any plan in place to add this feature to the sense watch? 

ChronicPain
Jogger

I had a fall today and was lucky to be found. Is there any chance fall detection can be added please.

I believe it would a very advantageous feature for physically challenged and at Risk people. An alert sent to 2 nominated people.

Please give this some serious consideration

Thankyou

AGWalker1
Stepping Up

I agree...wholeheartedly. In the US it would just be an easy 911 alert and 3 notifications to family members that would be set up in the software. The hardware seems already set to do this. Come on Fitbit...Apple already has this.

chartjes
Jogger
But the Buddy app is ONLY FOR IPHONE. If I have an iPhone I could easily drop your product and switch to an APPLE WATCH! Is that what FITBIT wants to happen?

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