Crucial Tesla self-driving feature remarkably saved man who needed to go to hospital
- Tesla self-driving technology is thought to have saved the life of a man who needed urgent medical attention
- He activated the Tesla Full Self-Driving feature (FSC V12), which navigated and parked without human assistance
- Despite suffering a heart attack he’s now doing well – much to the relief of Elon Musk
Published on Apr 15, 2024 at 2:14 PM (UTC+4)
by Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
Last updated on Apr 16, 2024 at 12:23 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Tom Wood
Tesla self-driving technology has saved the life of a man who needed urgent medical attention as he was sitting behind the wheel.
On 1 April at 2 AM, cinematographer MaxPaul Franklin was facing severe dehydration and dangerously high blood glucose levels due to a malfunctioning insulin pump.
It was a life-threatening situation for the man from Asheville, North Carolina, US – but activating the Tesla Full Self-Driving feature (FSC V12) is thought to have saved his life.
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His car autonomously traveled 13 miles to a VA Emergency Room, navigating and parking itself without any human assistance from Franklin, whose blood glucose level had reached a dangerous 670.
Taking to X, headed up by the same man responsible for the car brand that stepped in, he told his story entitled – ‘My Crazy True Story’.
“On April 1st, Tesla unlocked Full Self-Driving capability for all Tesla vehicles in America.
“In a moment of dire need, at 2:00 am the following morning, I found myself grappling with severe dehydration and a blood glucose level of 670 due to a malfunction in my insulin pump,” he explained.
“With no time to spare, I turned to my Model Y for assistance.
“Engaging the new Full Self-Driving feature with a simple double click on the steering column stalk, I was astounded by the results.
“Without any intervention, the car skillfully navigated the 13-mile journey from my home to the VA Emergency Room, offering to autonomously park it upon arrival and let me seek immediate medical attention.
“Despite enduring a mild heart attack, I left the hospital with no restrictions on my exercise regimen, a testament to the swift and efficient response facilitated by the vehicle and the # 1 VA in America.
“As an owner of luxury vehicles including Porsche, Mercedes, BMW, Acura, and Cadillac, I can unequivocally declare Tesla the pinnacle of automotive innovation today,” he continued.
“Its lifesaving capabilities in critical moments underscore its superiority.
“The leap from traditional vehicles to Tesla’s Full Self-Driving functionality is like upgrading from a basic phone to a smartphone.
“As a resident of a solar-powered home, the cost of energy for the last 7000 miles has been minimal, I’ve saved nearly $1000.
“I extend my gratitude to Elon Musk for his crazy erratic leadership in advancing technology that is more than just transportation. As someone who shares Elon’s place ‘on the spectrum’ I am particularly appreciative of his commitment to excellence and innovation.
“He has profoundly impacted our world and personally impacted my own.
“Thanks, Tesla, and thanks, Charles George VA Medical Center team!”
Elon Musk expressed relief in response to Franklin’s story, over the technology’s crucial role during the emergency.
“Glad Tesla FSD was there to help and that you’re feeling well!” he enthused.
While not all Teslas are completely self-driven yet, Musk has made it mandatory for all new Teslas to come with Full Self-Driving (FSD) installed per his plans for the EV manufacturer written eight years ago.
It’s even changing the way Teslas will be delivered.
Per the Tesla website, the EV’s Full Self-Driving capability allows the vehicle to ‘drive itself almost anywhere with minimal driver intervention.’
Thankfully for Franklin, the technology is constantly evolving and updating and the post reaching over 21.1 million people means it’s also raised awareness.
A Tesla was caught on camera navigating a chaotic construction section like an expert.
The current technology requires ‘active driver supervision’, which does not make the vehicle autonomous according to Tesla.
Despite autonomous vehicles making huge leaps – including recognizing their owner – many on Twitter urged anyone who found themself in the same situation to call an ambulance.
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London-based Amelia cut her journalistic teeth covering all things lifestyle, wellness and luxury in the UK capital. Fast-forward a decade and the experienced content creator and editor has put pen to paper for glossy magazines, busy newsrooms and coveted brands. When her OOO is on you can find her spending quality time with her young family, in the gym or exploring the city she loves.
