FRISCO, Texas, April 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The City of Sacramento Police Department (Calif.)
is proud to announce today the availability of the EmFinder's
EmSeeQ® wearable locator system that uses cellular technology to
quickly locate individuals who are prone to wandering due to
cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer's, dementia or autism. By
implementing the system, Sacramento joins a growing list of progressive
public safety organizations across the state of California that have upgraded their search and
rescue technology to locate wandering and lost persons.
A limited quantity of EmSeeQ bracelets is now available to those
with a diagnosed cognitive disorder and financial
need. Individual families who receive the devices are
responsible for registering with the EmFinders system and paying a
$25 fee per month for location
services. EmSeeQ devices are also available for purchase as a tool
to help in the search and rescue of vulnerable citizens who are
prone to becoming lost and may be unable to identify themselves or
ask for help.
EmFinders works directly with emergency 911 dispatchers to
greatly reduce the search timeframe for a rescue operation. The
special needs individual wears the bracelet 24/7 or as needed,
based on the unique situation. If the individual is missing or has
wandered off, the caregiver calls 911 to report the elopement and
then contacts EmFinders to activate the EmSeeQ device. The personal
bracelet device places a call to 911 and provides its location to
dispatchers who can then direct responders to the specific
location, as they do every day for thousands of wireless 911
calls.
The EmSeeQ bracelet can accurately locate the device wearer to
within meters, typically within 30 minutes, to virtually eliminate
time-consuming search and rescue operations that can jeopardize the
lost individual's safety and cost taxpayers thousands of dollars.
The system provides an added layer of security and peace of mind
for caregivers who often live in constant worry that their loved
one will become lost or wander off, putting themselves in grave
danger of serious injury or even death from exposure to the
elements or obstacles they may encounter along the way.
EmSeeQ can track the whereabouts of a missing person beyond the
Sacramento area, anywhere in the
U.S. where cellular service coverage exists. The wearable
watch-like EmSeeQ system uses the nationwide U-TDOA cellular
technology, which locates more than 60 million 911 calls a year, to
accurately determine the location of the device wearer, enabling
rescuers to quickly find him or her. And, unlike GPS systems,
EmSeeQ works inside buildings and in other areas where the
satellite signals required for GPS may be obstructed.
"The Police Department strives to anticipate trends and
implement leading-edge technologies that allow us to be proactive,
rather than reactive, especially now as budgets are lean and
resources are precious," said Sacramento Chief of Police Rick Braziel. "The EmFinders system allows us to
quickly locate missing persons, while greatly minimizing police
resources."
"Not only will this system save the city and the state a
tremendous amount of money when it comes to locating and rescuing
wandering victims but it can also save lives," said EmFinders Sales
Director Bill Gorham. "This added
layer of security can also mean less worry and more freedom for
individuals with Alzheimer's, dementia and autism who live at home,
and even allow senior care facilities to provide added peace of
mind to residents and their families."
For more information about EmFinders' EmSeeQ emergency locator
system, please visit www.emfinders.com.
About EmFinders
EmFinders, based in Frisco,
TX, is a new technology company that has developed a device
and subscription service for locating people with Alzheimer's or
other impaired adults and children who wander and become lost. The
wearable device and locator service uses advanced cellular
technology to locate lost individuals, even if they wander inside a
building, under a structure or just about anywhere. The device
becomes activated on remote command and the locator service works
in coordination with emergency responders. EmFinders is a privately
held subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation attributed to the
Liberty Capital group (NASDAQ: LCAPA), which owns a broad range of
electronic retailing, media, communications and entertainment
businesses. For more information, visit
www.emfinders.com.
SOURCE EmFinders