Emergency alert watch for elderly
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A group of Northeastern University student researchers has developed an automated emergency alert system to help elderly people in sudden need of medical attention.
Under the direction of Charles DiMarzio, an associate professor in the departments of electrical and computer engineering and mechanical and industrial engineering, the students created a wireless wrist device that automatically alerts emergency responders should it detect a sudden change in the user’s vital signs or speed of movement.
The wireless device, designed to resemble a wristwatch, monitors vital signs, including oxygen levels and heart rate, and wirelessly transmits the information so those responding to an emergency know as much as possible prior to arriving at the scene.
The idea behind the device came from student Max Flaherty after his family’s experience with another, less technologically advanced product. A member of his family who was wearing a non-automated emergency alert device suffered fatal internal injuries after falling down a set of stairs.
’I wanted to design something that a person can easily wear and has the capacity to alert emergency responders automatically if the user becomes unconscious,’ said Flaherty.
’No other commercial system currently integrates wrist-worn fall detection plus vital-sign and emergency monitoring in the way that this system does,’ added Chris Udall, a student who worked with Flaherty on the project.
Readers' comments (6)
Praneal | 18 May 2010 5:03 am
There is medical device available in NZ where you have to press a button. So this will be a great device where the process is automatic.
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George Beale | 19 May 2010 5:13 pm
An excellent idea that would work well with home robots to save on care costs for the elderly. I hope the new government will implement these with home robots to save substantial home care costs which are unsustainable and with no staff available.
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Jimmy Dripps | 19 May 2010 10:41 pm
Well done! Automatic fall detection is very important as the probability of permanent damage increases rapidly with every hour the person remains lying on the floor. I would love to see details of how this was achieved.
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prabhakar mehendale | 20 May 2010 4:14 am
I am interested to sell in India
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Simon Martin | 20 May 2010 12:11 pm
I am always a little sceptical of such devices, and it is not the actual device itself it is the human element. All too often we see cases of emergency alarm activations and those monitoring the systems cannot be bothered to respond, or provide an incorrect response.
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Anonymous | 19 Aug 2010 10:00 am
Hi, is there anywhere that I could get one of these for my gran? She recently had a fall and will be out of hospital soon, would give us peace of mind.
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Editor's comments | 19 Aug 2010 10:00 am
Your best bet would be to contact Northeastern University.