A recent incident involving a Tesla Model Y has highlighted the importance of being prepared for medical emergencies while driving. John Brandt, a Tesla owner, was driving from Atlanta to Birmingham when he experienced severe chest pain and was unable to continue driving. Fortunately, his son, Jack, was able to use the Tesla app to reroute the car to a nearby emergency room, potentially saving his father’s life.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Emergencies
This incident serves as a reminder to review our vehicle’s connected settings and emergency features. If you own a Tesla, you can add trusted drivers through the Tesla app, allowing them to access key vehicle features in case of an emergency. It’s essential to choose trusted drivers carefully, as they will have access to your vehicle’s location and other important features.
To prepare your vehicle for emergencies, start by reviewing your automaker’s app and its features. Look for vehicle location, shared driver access, remote lock controls, roadside assistance, and navigation features. Make sure your trusted contact can use the app if your car allows it. Also, check app access after getting a new phone, as permissions can change when you upgrade.
Many vehicles have an SOS button, emergency assistance button, or roadside help button. Check your owner’s manual or automaker app to understand how these features work and what they can do in an emergency. Some vehicles may have connected apps that allow you to send a destination to the dashboard or receive important notifications.
In addition to preparing your vehicle, it’s crucial to have a plan in place for medical emergencies. If you experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, lightheadedness, or pain in your arm, back, or jaw, treat it as an emergency. Pull over safely if possible and call 911 immediately. Emergency responders can start care on the way to the hospital and alert the ER before you arrive.
Your phone can also be a valuable tool in emergency situations. Add emergency contacts, fill out your Medical ID or emergency information, and make sure your family can reach you even when Do Not Disturb is on. By taking these steps, you can help ensure your safety and the safety of your loved ones on the road.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
