The Bluetooth wireless technology that allows people to use a hands-free earpiece while making a mobile telephone call could soon alert the emergency services when someone has a heart attack, Ofcom predicts. The communications regulator said that sensors could be implanted into people at risk of heart attack or diabetic collapse that would allow doctors to monitor them remotely. If the ‘in-body network’ recorded that the person had suddenly collapsed, it would send an alert, via a nearby base station at their home, to a surgery or hospital. However, Ofcom also gave warning in its report, Tomorrow’s Wireless World, that the impact of such technology on personal privacy would require more debate. The technology, which is being tested now in Portsmouth, could also be used if a patient failed to take his or her medicines. A pill dispenser would send an automatic reminder and, if the pills were not taken within a certain time, an alarm would sound and a message would be sent to the patient’s family or carers. However, health experts say that they are sceptical about the level of take-up of ‘in-body’ sensors while research into the possible radiation impact of wi-fi […]
Thursday, May 8th, 2008
New Wi-fi Devices Warn Doctors of Heart Attacks
Author: ADAM SHERWIN
Source: The Times (U.K.)
Publication Date: 7-May-08
Link: New Wi-fi Devices Warn Doctors of Heart Attacks
Source: The Times (U.K.)
Publication Date: 7-May-08
Link: New Wi-fi Devices Warn Doctors of Heart Attacks
Stephan: Why Bluetooth?
Named after King Harald Bluetooth of Denmark and Norway, who unified warring tribes in the 3rd century. Bluetooth was likewise intended to unify different technologies