Wearable Emergency Alert Mapping for Faster Facility Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Delays in responding to emergency incidents, such as active shooters, in facilities like schools and colleges are exacerbated by limited communication and knowledge of personnel, leading to increased casualties due to the lack of effective communication and delayed law enforcement intervention.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising wearable devices for facility personnel that provide non-audible alerts, location data on a virtual map, and one-way audio calls to recipients, enabling real-time tracking and communication of emergency incidents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional communication methods (phone calls, word of mouth) are used during emergencies, then personnel can communicate basic information, but response time is delayed and communication coverage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable device integrates multiple communication functions including audible alarms, visual LED indicators, wireless messaging to other devices, and automated GPS location tracking into a single emergency response system. This multi-functional approach enables simultaneous information dissemination through multiple channels (sound, light, digital communication), resolving the contradiction by providing both rapid response and comprehensive coverage without requiring separate communication systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a centralized server as an intermediary that receives emergency signals from wearable devices and automatically distributes information to relevant personnel and authorities. This mediator coordinates the emergency response by aggregating location data, triggering automated notifications, and maintaining communication logs, thereby extending communication coverage beyond direct peer-to-peer device communication while maintaining rapid response times
2Loss of time
If personnel manually call law enforcement during emergencies, then law enforcement can be notified, but significant time delay occurs and personnel lack knowledge of effective response actions
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable device is pre-configured with automated emergency protocols that immediately activate upon detecting emergency conditions (such as falls, collisions, or manual emergency button presses). The system automatically notifies law enforcement, sends alerts to nearby personnel, and provides real-time location data without requiring the user to manually dial or compose messages. This preliminary automation eliminates the time delay associated with manual notification while reducing the operational burden on personnel during stressful emergency situations
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback loops where the wearable device continuously monitors emergency conditions and automatically adjusts its response actions. When an emergency is detected, the device provides immediate feedback to the user through audible and visual alerts, simultaneously notifying authorities and nearby personnel. This automated feedback mechanism ensures rapid law enforcement notification while eliminating the need for personnel to know complex response procedures, as the system guides the situation through automated protocols
3Object-affected harmful factors
If audible alarms are used during emergencies, then personnel can be alerted, but panic increases and communication effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The emergency alert system uses location-specific notification strategies where the type and intensity of alerts are tailored to the local situation. Wearable devices provide personalized notifications based on the user's specific location and role within the facility. For example, personnel near the emergency incident receive detailed location-specific alerts, while distant personnel receive summarized notifications. This localized approach maintains necessary awareness without causing facility-wide panic, thereby reducing harmful panic effects while preserving effective emergency communication
Data Source
AI summary
A system for responding to an emergency incident in a facility is described. The system includes a display device with a virtual map of the facility and a plurality of devices configured to be respectively worn by a plurality of users in the facility. Each device of the plurality of devices is configured to be activated upon detection of the emergency incident in the facility. When activated, each device of the plurality of devices is configured to provide a non-audible alert to other devices of the plurality of devices, provide an emergency indication along with its location data for display on the virtual map, and place a one-way audio call through a cellular network to at least one recipient.