eMed-Trac live instant tracking device launched

Sep 16 2009

eMed-ID, the world's first emergency medical information device franchise, announced today the launch of eMed-Trac, a live instant tracking device designed for people with Alzheimer's, dementia and other cognitive impairments, or children who need to be closely supervised by parents for medical or other reasons.

The eMed-Trac device operates through global positioning satellites and has additional features such as live monitoring from any Internet-enabled computer, geofencing to establish a perimeter, text and email alerts and an SOS call function. With more than 5.3 million Americans living with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia, eMed-Trac can provide an additional measure of safety for these patients and their families.

"In 20 years, the number of Alzheimer's patients is expected to increase to 7.7 million. This combined with the fact that at least 60 percent of these patients have at least one instance of wandering away from home or their healthcare facility or getting lost while driving or walking, establishes a greater need to protect those who suffer from Alzheimer's and other cognitive impairments," said Lonnie Helgerson, CEO, eMed-ID Franchising, LLC. "As a result, we've developed a small device that can ensure greater safety for those who carry it and provide peace of mind to caregivers and family members who may need to locate their loved ones."

Approximately the size of a nine-volt battery, the eMed-Trac device operates with a battery that lasts a week on average and is rechargeable. The device is tracked via an online portal that provides live location updates and can be viewed in three formats - map, hybrid and satellite. The location is mapped by address, as well as by latitude and longitude. In addition, the tracking system can provide a history of where the device has been in a given timeframe. The eMed-Trac device also can be programmed with a geofence - an area in which the person can travel, but if they leave that area, an alert will be sent via text, email or voice.

eMed-Trac is equipped with a call function, or SOS button, that will alert designated people to an emergency. It notifies friends, family members or healthcare providers via text or email that help is needed. eMed-Trac is available through eMed-ID's franchisee network for $189 and $29.95 per month. eMed-ID also intends to make the device available for rental.

"It is eMed-ID's goal to provide local communities, including people of all ages, with medical services and products that improve the quality of healthcare and save lives. eMed-Trac is another way to ensure the safety of those who may need a little extra care -- from someone with early stages of Alzheimer's to a special needs child," said Helgerson. "eMed-Trac can make all the difference in locating a parent or child quickly and returning them to safety."

eMed-Trac is the latest addition to eMed-ID's portfolio of life-saving emergency medical information devices. The company also offers consumers a Personal Health Record (PHR) USB device that will expedite emergency responders' treatment of trauma victims or those unable to communicate by offering immediate access to their personal medical information. eMed-ID helps consumers avoid life-threatening delays in treatment, medical or surgical complications, allergic reactions and medication errors. The portable PHR USB device, utilizing eMed-ID's proprietary software, comes in a variety of options, including wristbands, credit cards and keychains.

The eMed-ID package is $69.95 and includes the PHR USB device, four eMed-ID caregiver cards, two eMed-ID In Case of Emergency (I.C.E.) refrigerator cards and a bound report. In addition, eMed-ID is the only medical identification product that also provides customers with an optional legally-binding healthcare surrogate, HIPAA release and living will. The company also partners with the "Silver Alert" program, modeled after "Amber Alert," to help protect an increasing number of citizens with cognitive impairments.

In addition, eMed-ID recently launched eMed-Alert, a next-generation personal assistance voice dialer designed for seniors who may need to call for help in an emergency. The eMed-Alert system allows the owner to press a single button on a heart pendant or on the system's base to call for assistance in three different ways. First, a siren is activated on the voice dialer console. Then, the personal assistance voice-dialer is enabled to call up to four phone numbers programmed and play a pre-recorded message to each person. Finally, the voice dialer allows each person who receives a call to "listen-in" through the console so they can hear what is happening in the room. eMed-Alert is available through eMed-ID's franchisee network for $129 with no monthly fees. In the event that family and friends cannot be the contacts, an optional professional monitoring system is available for a small monthly fee of $19.95.

Consumers can purchase these products through eMed-ID's franchise network in cities located throughout Arizona, Florida, Indiana, Montana, North Carolina, Oregon and Texas. To find your eMed-ID representative, visit www.emed-id.com/find.htm or call 1-866-607-0411.

For those interested in starting their own business, eMed-ID represents an ideal franchise opportunity given the current economic conditions by providing interested franchisees a low-cost of entry. The company is offering candidates the opportunity with a total investment of less than $10,000. Three-year term financing is available to qualified candidates for approximately $38 a week.

Area Representative opportunities are available starting at $29,950 to those interested in recruiting franchisees and owning a minimum protected territory of 200,000 residents. In addition, the franchise provides Veterans a $2,450 discount and a three percent reduction on financing interest.