Vitals Aware Services, a startup led by former Minneapolis Police Chief Janeé Harteau, launched a new initiative this week allowing first responders and other care providers to identify and treat people with, or in danger of having, COVID-19.
Through its app, Vitals aims to bridge the information gap between first responders and people with mental illnesses or disabilities by communicating critical information at the moment it’s needed.
A first responder will receive an alert whenever they get within 80 feet of someone registered on the app and wearing one of a small Bluetooth device Vitals calls a Beacon. Armed with information, they can take the right action.
Individuals sign up for Vitals free of charge and create profiles with as much detail as they want. Around 65 public safety agencies in Minnesota are Vitals customers, and they typically pay to use the app.
But starting this week, Vitals will let many use its app for free. The company will allow its existing agencies to increase the number of officers, deputies, firefighters and EMTs using its service at no cost.
Vitals hopes to rapidly equip first responders with the information they need to treat those suffering from or susceptible to catching COVID-19.
"With Vitals, first responders and others caring for the sick will have immediate access to updated, critical information while allowing them to maintain a tactical and adequate distance for their own safety," Harteau said in a statement.
Vitals will also continue to offer free registration and services for individuals and families in need of the technology. For the next six months, the company will give away its Beacons at no cost. Vitals added that it will continue to assess the situation to determine if its offer should be extended longer.
Potential demographics that could benefit from this service, the company believes, is wide-ranging and includes those with any developmental, emotional or mental health conditions. It could also be helpful for the elderly or those with autoimmune disorders such as Type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus or HIV/Aids.
Vitals' new COVID-19 feature is already being utilized by safety agencies in Minnesota, including Bloomington and St. Paul.
"At a time when many of us feel a bit powerless, this new feature provides caregivers and family members with an enhanced level of peace of mind by knowing a first responder has access to as much health-related information as they're willing to share," St. Paul Police Chief Todd Axtell said in a release. "In times of crisis, we all need to lean on each other, and if we can take advantage of technology like this, it truly benefits us all."
