IM-OK Personal Emergency Communicator

This emergency communication device is based on an internationally-published paper on a conceptual wireless global emergency system developed by Professors Victor Matos and Ben Blake of Cleveland State University.

A number of tragic events have occurred in the recent past that reveal inadequacies in current emergency response systems. During these catastrophes, thousands of people at a time can be cut off from all forms of tele-communication resulting in undue anxiety for family members and concerned parties geographically removed from the disaster. When communications systems and cell phone services are disrupted during a catastrophe or natural disaster, a person in the affected area can now inform loved ones that he or she is ‘OK.’

This new technology utilizes a mobile-phone-based text messaging emergency service called ‘E711.’ The emergency communication system sends guaranteed SMS (Small Message Service) packets to a central emergency server which notifies friends and family of the user’s status during a catastrophe. These messages may provide immeasurable emotional comfort to those loved ones separated during a crisis.

The personal emergency communicator concept developed by Balance employs this new technology in a compact, portable product. A simple ‘click’ to open the device activates the unit allowing the affected person to send an IM.OK message to his or her loved ones or an emergency ‘need help’ message to the proper authorities. GPS location data is also transmitted to the server upon activation. Messages received are confirmed by the user through an LED located between the two buttons. An estimated 48 such messages can be sent with current battery technology.

This seemingly simple device can bring aid to disaster victims and comfort to those concerned about them.