Tag: Skier

We have all come to appreciate the life-saving features that Apple incorporates into its devices. Most recently, Apple's Emergency SOS via satellite played a crucial role in helping rescuers locate six survivors of an avalanche in Lake Tahoe. This feature has also been instrumental in the successful recovery of a young family who got lost on a hike in Kentucky last year. The Apple Watch is renowned for its health and emergency technology, with features like heart health alerts and Fall Detection garnering attention. The Apple Watch Ultra even has a siren that saved a diver's life by activating itself after a rapid surfacing incident. While this activation may have seemed mysterious, it ultimately proved to be a stroke of luck. A recent incident underscores the importance of carrying an iPhone or Apple Watch, especially when venturing into the mountains. On February 26, Michael Harris from Bothell, Washington, endured being buried in an avalanche at Stevens Pass Ski Resort for four hours. Despite having his iPhone and Apple Watch with him, Harris was trapped upright with limited mobility and only a small air pocket. Unable to reach his devices due to his restricted movement, Harris could feel his iPhone vibrating in his pocket. His wife, Penny, who was trying to reach him, sensed that something was amiss when he didn't respond to her calls. Using the Find My app, she discovered that Harris was stationary and immediately alerted the ski patrol. Thanks to the app's location tracking, the ski patrol was able to locate Harris several feet below the surface. Although he suffered a broken leg and hypothermia, Harris survived the ordeal. The incident highlights the importance of staying within cellular range when in remote areas. In such situations, features like Find My can be a lifesaver. Additionally, newer Apple devices support Find My via satellite, but users must actively report their location or trigger the Emergency SOS feature for it to work. For those planning outdoor adventures, wearing an Apple Watch or carrying an iPhone is essential. It's also advisable to configure your iPhone to respond to voice commands even when the screen is covered. Familiarizing yourself with Messages via satellite and Emergency SOS via satellite can further enhance your safety during excursions.

Tag: Skier

How ‘Find My’ Rescued a Skier Buried in an Avalanche

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