A medical emergency while driving can be particularly harrowing, but a recent incident involving a Tesla Model Y demonstrated how connected vehicle technology and prepared family access can aid in critical situations. John Brandt was driving on Interstate 20 when he experienced severe chest pain, a symptom of a heart attack.
Brandt's Tesla Model Y had Full Self-Driving Supervised enabled, which helped maintain the vehicle's course while he contacted his son, Jack. Because Jack was an authorized driver on his father's Tesla account, he was able to use the Tesla app on his phone to reroute the vehicle to Tanner Medical Center in Carrollton, Georgia. He also alerted the hospital staff to an incoming patient experiencing potential heart attack symptoms. Doctors later identified three blocked arteries, and Brandt credited the swift rerouting with saving his life.
While the incident showcases the capabilities of advanced vehicle systems, experts emphasize that such technology is not a substitute for emergency services. The story serves as a reminder for all drivers, particularly those with connected vehicles, to ensure their car's safety and emergency features are set up and accessible to trusted contacts before a crisis occurs.
Preparing Connected Cars for Emergencies
For Tesla owners, establishing trusted driver access through the Tesla app is a key preparation step. This allows a designated individual to potentially access critical vehicle features, including location tracking and remote navigation controls, from their own device. It is crucial to select this trusted driver carefully, as they may have significant access to the vehicle's functions.
Beyond access, it is recommended to practice sending destinations to the car's navigation system with the trusted driver. This ensures both parties understand how the feature works and what will appear on the vehicle's display. Saving frequently used locations, such as hospitals along common routes, can also streamline the process during an emergency.
Tesla's Full Self-Driving Supervised system requires constant driver supervision and is not an emergency plan in itself. In any suspected medical emergency, drivers are advised to pull over safely if possible and call 911 immediately. Emergency responders can provide immediate care and notify hospitals in advance.
Broader Applications for All Connected Vehicles
The lessons from Brandt's experience extend to owners of any connected vehicle, not just Teslas. Many modern cars offer similar apps with features like remote control, roadside assistance, and navigation. Drivers should familiarize themselves with their automaker's app to understand its capabilities, including location sharing and driver access permissions.
Ensuring that a trusted contact can operate the app, potentially requiring logins or two-factor authentication, should be done proactively. App permissions can change, especially after phone upgrades, so regular review is advised. Using strong, unique passwords and enabling two-factor authentication for vehicle apps is also recommended.
Testing the ability to send a destination from a phone to the car's dashboard, if supported by the vehicle, is another practical step. Drivers should also understand the function of their car's SOS or emergency assistance button, checking whether it contacts 911 or a private service and if it shares location data.
Smartphone Emergency Features
In addition to vehicle-specific preparations, smartphone emergency features can provide further layers of support. Setting up emergency contacts, filling out medical information in health apps, and configuring SOS features can ensure vital details are available to responders and trusted contacts. For iPhones, the Health app allows users to input medical conditions, allergies, and emergency contacts, with options to share this information during an emergency call. For Samsung Galaxy phones, similar features are available under safety and emergency settings.
Furthermore, configuring phone settings to allow calls and messages from trusted contacts even when Do Not Disturb is active can ensure communication during a crisis. Keeping a written backup of essential emergency information, including contacts, allergies, and preferred hospitals, in a wallet or glove box provides a low-tech failsafe in case digital systems fail.
Regularly reviewing and updating all emergency contact information and app access permissions is crucial, as family situations and technology evolve. The combination of prepared vehicle features, accessible smartphone tools, and informed personal preparation can significantly enhance safety in unforeseen emergencies.