FATE - An early warning device for the elderly

FATE early contact with emergency services or health facilities when an older person falls or suffers an injury.

Older people who have slipped accidentally will find it difficult to recover, in severe cases can cause many sequelae or death. In order to limit this situation, Spanish scientists have invented a smart device called FATE that will transmit early communication signals with emergency services or medical facilities in case Older people are falling or experiencing similar injuries.

FATE is worn around the waist. It has multiple sensors that detect motion like a fall and uses wireless technology to record the location of the user and then automatically informs the rescue service immediately.

Photo: Reuters

Lead researcher Joan Cabestany, of the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (FI), said FATE uses technology similar to that used in airbags in cars. Acceleration sensor principle . This device has been piloted in Spain, Italy and Ireland for dozens of volunteers.

Early results suggest that FATE has issued most timely warnings; Better than the fall alarm devices available on the market where, when using, users do not have to press the emergency service contact button. However, the device still needs further improvement when the rescue team reports it is too sensitive and sometimes confuses sudden movement with a fall.

Merced Benet, 72, said: "I feel safe because I am almost home alone all day. And during that time if I fall I will have to wait for someone to help. Using this device makes me so much more secure. '

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 30% of people over 65 fall each year. Researchers hope the FATE device will help older people get support in the earliest possible way to avoid risky health risks.

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