A London-based doctor saved the life of an elderly woman mid-air using Apple Watch’s newly-banned pulse oximeter that monitors blood oxygen levels. On January 9, NHS doctor Rashid Riaz, from Hereford County Hospital in England, was traveling by Ryanair from Birmingham to Verona for a skiing holiday when the elderly woman, who does not wish to be named, suffered a medical emergency on the flight.
The woman, in her 70s, experienced shortness of breath, and Dr Riaz saved her by borrowing the device from a flight attendant. The pulse oximeter helped the doctor gauge the patient’s oxygen levels, and he asked for an on-board oxygen cylinder. This allowed him to monitor and maintain the woman’s saturation levels until they safely landed in Italy about an hour later.
The Apple Watch helped me find out the patient had low oxygen saturation, Dr Riaz explained. He quickly discovered the woman had a history of heart issues by speaking to her in her native Urdu, reassuring her husband when she initially did not respond to his queries.
I used a lot of my own learning during this flight on how to use the gadget, Dr Riaz said. It is a lesson in how we can improve in-flight journeys [with] this sort of emergency, using a basic gadget which nowadays is easily available.
Apple recently announced the removal of the pulse oximeter feature from the new Series 9 and Ultra 2 Apple Watches due to a patent dispute with medical technology company Masim over the software. The company stated that the measurements taken with the Blood Oxygen app were not intended for medical use and were only designed for general fitness and wellness purposes.
Dr Riaz’s experience highlights the potential life-saving capabilities of the pulse oximeter function on the Apple Watch, which is already widely used by individuals for monitoring their general health and wellness. The device’s ability to provide real-time blood oxygen level readings can help identify medical emergencies, like low oxygen saturation, allowing for immediate intervention and potential life-saving measures.
While the removal of the pulse oximeter feature may disappoint some users, Apple’s decision is likely driven by legal and patent concerns. However, the incident on the flight showcases how such technology can make a significant difference in critical situations.
As technological advancements continue, it is essential to strike a balance between accessibility and the appropriate use of these devices. Ensuring that individuals have access to life-saving features while addressing any concerns related to accuracy and medical applications is crucial.
Dr Riaz’s quick thinking and the utilization of the Apple Watch’s pulse oximeter serve as a testament to the potential benefits of wearable technology in emergency situations. As technology advances, it is expected that further developments will continue to enhance the capabilities of such devices, improving overall safety and well-being.
In the end, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for medical emergencies, whether on a plane or in any other setting. Having access to devices that provide vital health information can be crucial in saving lives and should be considered in emergency preparedness plans.
As the story of Dr Riaz’s life-saving actions spreads, it serves as a testament to the power of technology and the potential for everyday devices to make a significant impact in critical situations. The use of Apple Watch’s pulse oximeter in saving the life of the elderly woman mid-air demonstrates the potential of wearable technology in providing crucial health information when it matters the most.
