FDA clears Google smartwatch tech that calls 911 when a user’s heart stops
Google has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Loss of Pulse Detection, a new smartwatch feature that detects when a person’s heart stops beating and then automatically alerts emergency services.
Loss of Pulse Detection asks the user if they are OK when it first detects the loss of pulse. If no response is provided, it triggers an audio alarm and countdown to when emergency services will be notified. If the countdown reaches zero, the alert is officially sent out.
This feature is already available in 14 different countries. It will be made available in the United States for Google’s Pixel Watch 3 in the weeks ahead.
“Loss of Pulse Detection is part of our broader effort to make Pixel Watch a guardian of your health and safety,” according to a Google blog post from 2024. “It joins other features like Irregular Heart Rhythm Notifications, which can check for signs of atrial fibrillation; Safety Check, which allows you to set a timer on your device when you feel unsafe to then send your location to a loved one if you don’t respond; and Fall and Car Crash Detection, which can check in and call for help if you fall or are in an accident.”
The first-of-its-kind feature was built with a mix of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms and digital signal processing technology. Google also worked with cardiologists and used “hundreds of thousands of hours” of real-time data to ensure Loss of Pulse Detection was able to accurately, effectively monitor a patient’s pulse and alert the appropriate parties when necessary.
One noteworthy part of Google’s development process included hiring stunt actors to simulate real-world scenarios where a person may lose their pulse.
“The actors wore tourniquets to artificially induce pulselessness, and then simulated the types of falls that would mimic a person suddenly losing their pulse,” according to the company.
Michael has more than 18 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.