NFC-based wearable technology to provide vital information in emergency situations
Medical smartbands from Tap2Tag are now available through the online shop of a British epilepsy charity. The innovative medical alert wristbands are designed to provide potentially lifesaving information during an emergency.
Earlier this year Bristol, UK-based Tap2Tag launched its range of medical devices, including smartbands, small cards and key fobs, all of which are enabled with near field communication (NFC) technology.
In an emergency, after calling the emergency services, anyone with an NFC-enabled mobile phone can just tap the patient's device and, with a couple of clicks, gain instant access to medical information the wearer has chosen to disclose, including name, allergies, medical conditions, photograph, date of birth and blood group, and even a message to help explain the situation and action required, such as: 'I have a heart condition. Spray is in my bag. Spray once in my mouth then wait for paramedics.'
Even if the first-responder hasn't activated the Tap2Tag Medical, the paramedics can do so on arrival, gaining potentially life-saving information about the patient.
Additionally, once a device has been activated the Tap2Tag system can also be used to send a message, either as a text or email, to designated family members or carers to alert them to the emergency.
No data is stored on the device itself. Instead each tag has a unique code, against which information is stored on a secure website. The user controls (and updates as necessary,) all data and chooses what, and what not, to include.
Epilepsy Action campaigns to raise awareness about the condition and improve the lives of the estimated 600,000 people living with epilepsy. Simon Wigglesworth, deputy chief executive at Epilepsy Action, said: ''We know from previous research that many people with epilepsy are worried about having a seizure in public. Devices which give information about a person's epilepsy and seizure type can be very useful in helping passers-by know what to do if they see someone having a seizure. We are very pleased to be able to offer these devices to people with epilepsy through our online shop.'
Because of Epilepsy Action's charitable status Tap2Tag is providing its devices at cost price so that any money that is generated in sales through the online shop can go towards the charity's activities all over the UK.
Tap2Tag's managing director, Chris Ford, said: 'Ever since we first launched the devices Epilepsy Action has been supportive and enthusiastic about their potential to help many of the hundreds of thousands of people who live with the condition. The fact that the UK's number one epilepsy charity, which does so much good work supporting and improving the lives of thousands, believes in our products enough to sell them in its own shop is a source of enormous pride for all associated with Tap2Tag.'
