Wireless Location Device and Service Already Generating Buzz among Caregivers, Parents, and Law Enforcement Agencies
EmFinders® says the final market trials for its innovative location device and service for locating impaired adults and children who wander are now underway, and the product is expected to become available for purchase in Texas in early first quarter of 2009.
During the market trials, participants in North Texas and in the Austin area have free use of the wearable devices for three weeks, in exchange for their evaluation of the product. EmFinders will use the information collected during the market trials to refine the design and other aspects of the final device and activation service, according to Jim Nalley, co-founder and CEO of EmFinders.
“The technology already has proven itself and we’ve done substantial research on the needs and desires of caregivers, parents and law enforcement,” said Nalley. “Collecting and incorporating consumer feedback is the final step before we go into production.”
In addition to families and caregivers, EmFinders anticipates that there will be much interest in the product from assisted-living and long-term care facility operators.
Barring unforeseen developments or issues, the EmFinders device and activation service will go on sale in Texas in late January and nationwide sometime in the spring of 2009, Nalley said. The company plans to have formal announcements for both of those events.
The EmFinders wearable device and activation service will enable 9-1-1 dispatchers to locate and recover impaired adults or children who wander. These individuals might include Alzheimer’s patients or other adults with dementia, autistic children, and children with Downs syndrome.
“The law enforcement agencies are excited about our product, because it works with existing 9-1-1 systems and procedures and requires no additional public investment in technology or training,” said Chris Buehler, co-founder and president of EmFinders. “This product will help avert tragedies from the very first day it goes on sale.”
To be considered for participation in the market trial or to sign up for future announcements from EmFinders, go to the EmFinders sign-up page.
