Crash-detection devices can save lives. But false alarms are a problem for first responders

First responders in Nova Scotia say they recognize the value of crash-detection technology to help improve response times, but false alarms are adding to the demand for emergency services. 

Two years ago, Apple introduced a crash-detection feature for iPhone and smartwatches. The company said an algorithm, based on crash data and real-world driving, uses accelerator, gyroscope, GPS, barometer and microphone inputs to detect severe crashes. 

RCMP Sgt. Natasha Farrell, the district commander in Guysborough County, said in one instance three people were helped from a vehicle after first responders received an iPhone crash notification. 

But in many other cases there hasn’t been an emergency.

“It’s been an iPhone that’s fallen off a car,” Farrell said. “In one instance, in a neighbouring detachment, a man was playing baseball with his son and the baseball hit his pocket where his iPhone was, and that triggered the notification.”

EHS has responded to 806 crash technology calls across the province so far this year. 

Farrell said most of the 240 Apple crash-detection calls RCMP have received this year in the northeast and southwest districts have been false. 

‘Save those resources’ 

“We’re happy to see the technology, but there’s ways that the public can help us and maybe save those resources,” she said. 

Apple says an automatic call can be cancelled within 20 seconds if help is not needed. Farrell said a call can also be explained to the EHS officer on the line. 

“The police may still follow up with the person to ensure they’re OK, but multiple agency resources won’t be responding like they would for an actual emergency call,” she said. 

Apple said the technology has been updated with the intention to reduce false calls and the company is continuing to improve crash detection. 

Still, Brett Tetanish, chief of the Brooklyn Volunteer Fire Department, said Apple’s technology is needlessly tying up emergency resources despite good intentions to save lives. 

“Every single incident that we’ve gone to so far has been false,” Tetanish said. “We’ve definitely had an increase in the last few months.” 

Tetanish said the department averages a crash-detection call a week and it can take up to an hour to respond.

“We’re human. We make mistakes. We leave our phones on the roof or the hoods of our cars or we drop our phones.” he said. 

“We’ve gone a long time without this technology, and is it necessary is my question. I don’t know.”