Falls are inevitable, regardless of whether you are a fully able-bodied young adult or someone like me who has a condition that lasts their entire life and causes challenges with their balance.
Even when we believe we are taking precautions, we humans have a certain propensity for causing accidents.
When we exercise, the likelihood of us becoming injured in a fall is significantly enhanced.
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we just can’t beat gravity; it just happens.
Does Fitbit Have a Detection Function for Falls?
Fall detection is not yet a feature that can be found on any trackers manufactured by Fitbit. Apple Watch and Samsung Watch both have it, and it is a valuable function for many people who are at varying levels of fitness; however, Fitbit does not offer this option.
Just take my word for it. The existence of this feature is something I am grateful for as someone who has knocked themselves over while wearing a fitness tracker.
Fortunately, all of my falls have been rather mild, and I haven’t sustained any serious injuries (other than to my pride) as a result of them.
There is no denying that fitness trackers are cutting-edge technology with some very remarkable features.
And the Fitbit models have been in the lead since they were first introduced in September of 2009 since they provide their owners with a wide variety of functions to choose from.
But does this plethora of functions include something called fall detection, or event detection as some people call it?
Before I get into that, let me briefly discuss the process of fall detection.
Utilizing this capability, your smartwatch will alert a few of the contacts that you have saved there about the occurrence.
The elderly who have a higher risk of falling can benefit from this function, as can anyone else who goes out on their own to run, walk, or ride a bicycle.
You simply choose a few people to notify in case of an emergency while you are setting up your smartwatch, and you must keep the LTE services or Bluetooth active for the message to be sent out along with your location.
In addition, some of these gadgets will come equipped with an SOS capability for use in an emergency.
Let’s get right into the question of whether or not the Fitbit includes a fall detection feature and how exactly this kind of technology operates.
What exactly is detecting a fall?
Newer models of smartwatches are equipped with a function known as “fall detection,” which can determine if the wearer has fallen while the watch is on its wrist.
As long as you have LTE or Bluetooth enabled and connected, it will send an alert to the emergency contacts that you have chosen whenever something like this occurs. In that case, the feature won’t function properly.
If you do have it turned on, however, your pre-selected emergency contacts will be notified of the occurrence and given your location along with the report.
This feature can come in handy if you are the type of person who likes to go on solitary treks in the mountains or go jogging on the trail after it has become dark.
It is also something that helps people who are prone to falling, such as elderly persons and people who have physical limitations.
It can serve the purpose of a medical alert for them.
How does the system that detects falls work?
In general, the accelerometer is what helps to identify whether or not a fall has occurred; however, this feature does differ slightly between different brands.
It will take note if you have unexpectedly ceased moving or if you have experienced an unexpected shock.
Additionally, some smartwatches come equipped with sensors that are already installed and can detect your speed or cadence, which can assist in determining whether or not a fall has taken place.
Some of the more recent iterations of smartwatches can determine whether or not you have passed out while standing.
The watch will sound an alarm once it detects a fall, and it will continue to do so for one minute unless you silence it by pressing a button to let it know that you are okay after the fall has been detected.
Naturally, you need to conduct a self-examination to check for injuries first.
If you do not respond in any way before the minute is over, the system will send an urgent message to the people you have listed as your emergency contacts.
In what ways is the SOS feature distinct from the fall detection feature?
SOS is a function that may be found on mobile devices that enables users to get in touch with the appropriate emergency services without having to first unlock their handset.
If the watch has an emergency mode, then it will save as much battery life as it can for a few extra days, extending the total amount of time the battery will last.
Is there a fall detection feature on the Fitbit Charge 4?
Unfortunately, as of right now, not a single Fitbit device has a fall detection capability built-in.
The inclusion of such a function would entice a far larger number of customers, all of whom believe that having fall detection available on their smartwatches would be to their advantage.
The Fitbit Charge 4 can perform a wide variety of tasks to a high standard and comes with a wide variety of helpful features.
However, including a fall detection system would be the deciding factor for a significant number of potential purchasers who are considering their alternatives.
Which watches have a fall detection feature?
Okay, so currently on the market you can find a variety of smartwatches that come equipped with a technology that can detect falls.
Apple Watch and Samsung Watch are now two of the most sought-after alternatives available, even though they both come with a hefty price tag. The Apple Watch Series 6 and 7 both have it if you decide to purchase one.
The SE also accomplishes the same thing.
In addition to that, you can get it on:
- Garmin Forerunner 45S
- Garmin Forerunner 45S
- Lively Wearable 2
- for the Garmin Fenix 5 and Fenix 6
Why is Fitbit taking such a long time to implement its fall detection feature?
There will probably be some Fitbit upgrades available around here very shortly.
If Fitbit follows its typical pattern of waiting approximately 18 months between releases for their existing product lines, then the spring of 2022 will be a good opportunity for a new release.
Perhaps a completely redesigned version of the Inspire 3 will be released. And the year 2022 might end with the release of a new version of Versa 4 or Sense 2.
If Fitbit truly wants to compete with its larger competitors, the company is going to have to seriously consider incorporating fall detection into the next set of updates that it releases.
Having it on their smartwatch is beneficial for a variety of users, including senior citizens, those with physical limitations, lone wolf hikers and joggers, and others.
A Few Parting Thoughts
There is not currently a model of Fitbit that includes a fall detection feature, at least not in the immediate future.
If Fitbit decides to integrate this helpful function in their subsequent update, only time will tell if they do so.
It functions more as a medical alert than it does any other function, making it one that has the potential to save a life.
