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What is EmFinders?

EmFinders is an emergency locating system that is triggered by the caregiver (not the missing person), and provides critical information for the recovery of a missing person.

 

Who benefits from the EmFinders EmSeeQ device?

The EmFinders EmSeeQ device is designed to help persons with intellectual disability, mental illness, brain injury and medical impairments (like Alzheimer’s disease, Down syndrome or autism) who are at risk of becoming disoriented and lost.

The EmFinders EmSeeQ device provides caregivers with peace of mind, knowing that law enforcement can quickly locate and recover their loved one should that person wander and become lost. Law enforcement benefits from the EmFinders EmSeeQ device by simplifying and expediting the process of locating a missing person. Senior communities benefit because they can protect their residents and reduce liability risks, while providing residents with maximum personal freedom.

 

What does EmFinders EmSeeQ cost the consumer?

The EmFinders EmSeeQ device is less than the cost of a typical cell phone with a minimal monthly service plan (less than $225.00 a unit and about $25 per month).

 

How does EmFinders work?

The EmFinders EmSeeQ is a small, watch-like, wireless device without buttons or a screen and is under the secure and remote control of the EmFinders operation center. The EmFinders EmSeeQ device is worn by individuals with medical impairments like autism, Down syndrome or Alzheimer’s disease. The device can only be activated at the request of the caregiver. Once activated, the device places a call and provides its location to an E-9-1-1 operator via the cellular network just as a standard cell phone would. The EmFinders system does NOT use GPS. Instead it uses triangulation through the cellular network to accurately determine a person’s location, including in buildings or environments that would typically interfere with GPS locators.

 

What is the typical emergency activation and recovery process?

  1. Caregiver calls 911 and New York Rescue Response Team to file a missing persons report.
  2. 911 / NYRRT operator takes relevant information, creates missing person file and provides a call for service or case number to the caregiver.
  3. A registered caregiver or NYRRT calls the EmFinders Operations Center (EOC) to request device activation by providing a police call for service or case number.
  4. EmFinders:
    • a. verifies caregiver identity,
    • b. notifies the 911 Dispatch Center associated with the address of the missing person of the impending call (i.e., the center most likely to receive the 911 call) and
    • c. remotely activates the device.
    • NOTE: In order to manage battery-life, the device will check for an activation command on a forty minute cycle, so the average wait time is 20 minutes.
  5. Once activated, the device:
    • a. reports its location to the nearest 911 Dispatch Center,
    • b. transmits an audio message to the 911 operator explaining the nature of the emergency, and
    • c. provides the phone number of the EOC.
  6. EmFinders analyzes the Cell ID associated with the 911 call from the device to confirm that the 911 Dispatch Center contacted by the device is the one that received advance notice.  If not, EmFinders will initiate contact with the appropriate 911 Dispatch Center to ensure a two-way communication line is established with the EOC.
  7. 911 Dispatch Center dispatches a police officer (or other emergency responder) to the location reported by the device and if not already in contact with the EOC, may contact the EOC for additional information regarding the missing person.  This information will include:
    • a. the jurisdiction in which the missing person was reported (if different than that receiving the 911 call from the device),
    • b. the identity and physical description of the missing person,
    • c. known medical conditions, and
    • d. caregiver contact information.
  8. 911 operators can rebid and provide an updated location to police as required.
  9. Police / NYRRT assist in reuniting the missing person with the caregiver (or, if necessary, securing emergency medical treatment).
  10. 911 Dispatch Center, police, NYRRT or caregiver instructs EmFinders Operations Center to cancel alert (deactivate device).

 

What do caregivers/communities get for the $25 monthly fee?

Caregivers/communities receive continuous over-the-air coverage which keeps the device working all the time. They also receive critical operations monitoring to ensure the battery is charged as needed and critical updates if the battery falls below a certain threshold of charge. Additionally, this service makes available the 24-hour, 7-days-a-week Emergency Center and our customer care center. Over-the-air system updates are provided as well.

 

What if the wearer removes the device from his or her wrist?

Parents and caregivers who are concerned about the possibility of the wearer removing the device can purchase an EmFinders EmSeeQ with secure band. Removing the secure band from one's wrist requires the use of two hands, therefore the help of a parent or caregiver is necessary.

 

What happens if the EmSeeQ comes in contact with or is submerged in water?

The EmSeeQ meets the IPX7 standard for water resistance.  This means that it is designed to withstand submersion in one-meter (~3 ft.) of water for up to thirty (30) minutes.  This standard allows the wearer to shower or bathe without risk of water damage to the unit.  However, the unit is not designed to be worn when swimming or diving due to the potential depth and duration of the activity, as well as the variations in the chemical composition of pool water.

 

How often and for how long should I charge my EmSeeQ?

The battery must be charged at least once per week, for about 2 hours (until the red charging light blinks green - see user guide for details).  However, under certain conditions related to the cellular network in your location, the EmSeeQ may have to be charged more often.  In order to avoid a low battery situation, EmFinders recommends that you charge the battery twice per week (e.g., Wednesday and Sunday).

The battery indicator lights on the device do not normally illuminate unless the EmSeeQ is on the charger.  If the EmSeeQ is not on the charger and the indicator lights are blinking red (once every 9 seconds), then the EmSeeQ is in need of immediate charging.  A low battery alert also will be sent to EmFinders.  If you observe that the red indicator light regularly blinks in fewer than 7 days, then adjust the charging cycle accordingly.

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