Less than two weeks old, EmFinders has launched a promising new technology to help find patients with Alzheimers, Autism, or other mental impairments that might be in danger if they wander away from caregivers.
Based on the National 9-1-1 system, this new device is as easy to wear as a watch. The system is able to be paged via the cellular network which gives it huge advantages over similar GPS systems.
I really look forward to seeing how police officers and dispatchers accept this new technology. If any of our readers are from EmFinders, send me an email (Shawn.Riley @ healthtechnica.com) so I can fire some questions at you. I would love to know more.
The following is the process that EmFinders describes:
What is the process? What about security and privacy? This information is straight from the EMFinders website:
- Caregiver calls 911 to file a missing person’s report.
- 911 dispatcher takes relevant information, creates missing person file and provides a case number to the caregiver.
- Caregiver calls EmFinders Emergency Operator at 1.800.215.8161 to request device activation by providing case number.
- EmFinders remotely activates the EmFinders EmSeeQ device and provides the police with medical and other information about the missing person.
- Activated device reports its location to the nearest 911 dispatch center and transmits an audio recording to the 911 operator explaining the nature of the emergency.
- 911 operator dispatches a police officer to the location reported by the EmSeeQ device.
- Police officer stays in contact with the 911 operator until the missing person is located; 911 operator can provide updated location if the person wearing the EmFinders EmSeeQ device has changed locations while the officer is en route.
- Police officer assists the missing person by safely returning him/her to caregiver.
