Dementia team unveils wristbands
In a bid to save family heartbreak a bright new bit of technology has been launched in the Avon and Somerset area.
A yellow wearable tech wristband has been launched in a joint bid by Avon Fire and Rescue and Avon and Somerset Police to combat the distress felt by dementia sufferers and their family.
It was launched on the BBC Crimewatch Roadshow on September 23 by police Sergeant Stuart King and Darren French from Avon Fire and Rescue.
They were interviewed live on the show about the initiative, which is the latest part of the Dementia Safeguarding Scheme that helps to protect vulnerable elders.
Using near field communication (NFC) technology, the wristband stores essential information about the wearer, including their name and details of next of kin.
The information can be accessed via the NFC app when a mobile is held nearby, alleviating the need for physical contact, which can cause further distress. This information can be used by emergency services, health professionals or community members to get the wearer back to safety should they be found while lost or confused.
The initiative is a collaboration between the Senior Citizen Liaison Team charity, Avon and Somerset Police and Avon Fire and Rescue Service. Between them they have provided initial funding for 750 wristbands, which will be distributed across the community.
Darren French, community fire safety watch manager at Avon Fire and Rescue, said: “My team will be visiting households who may benefit from a wristband, getting them set up and then working with our blue light partners to help keep them safe.”
Bristol Dementia Action Alliance (BDAA) chairman Tony Hall said: “This wristband helps to protect and safeguard those vulnerable people with dementia in our society. It is a positive response to an age-old problem and moves to bring about a more caring society.”
The passive device is not used for tracking and contains non-personal data to ensure the safety of the wearer. Anyone who downloads the NFC app on their phone can retrieve information from the wristband meaning getting someone to safety doesn’t always require intervention by emergency services.