Yes and No…

You DO need a cell phone to set up the device.

You DO need a cell phone for the device to send texts and calls to designated contacts in real-time when an overdose is detected.

BUT…

You do NOT need your cell phone near you for the ARMband to detect overdose and for its alarm and speaker to sound. The ARMband will sound a local alarm.

No, we do not detect opioids in the body. We use physiologic signs from the body, like movement and the amount of oxygen, to determine if a person is experiencing a life-threatening overdose.

No, the device does not enter the skin in any way. The ARMband can do all measurements needed while resting on your upper arm, similar to a bracelet. There are no needles and no sharp edges.

The ARMband App never calls the police but may give the option to call 911 as an overdose is a life-threatening medical emergency. This 911 option requires specific consent given by the person during device set-up. We are also working with local communities to add the option to send a message directly to Opioid Overdose Response Teams instead of 911.

No, ARMband does not track location during daily wear. The device is idle or in “sleep-mode” unless you stop moving for a certain amount of time and show other signs of overdose.

Once overdose is suspected, the device may message your location to your designated contacts, but only if permission has been given during set-up.

No. The ARMband does not automatically contact anyone without obtaining permission during setup. Suppose the person wearing the device has a parent as a designated contact and has given permission. In that case, the ARMband will send an automatic message to the parent when an overdose is suspected.

Currently, the ARMband is designed to be worn by persons 18 years and older. We are looking into developing studies with 16-18yo because we firmly believe this population will also benefit from our device. Contact us if you would like to help with our adolescent studies.

The ARMband incorporates sophisticated sensors designed to detect and prevent fatal overdoses. Here's how the sensors in the ARMband work:

a) Motion Detection: The ARMband's motion sensors track the wearer's movements. Lack of movement can indicate distress or unconsciousness, triggering device activation.

b) Breathing and Oxygen Level Measurement: The device includes sensors capable of monitoring breathing patterns and oxygen levels. Irregular breathing can be an early sign of an overdose, and a drop in oxygen saturation suggests a critical situation, prompting the ARMband to take action.

c) Responsiveness Assessment: The ARMband assesses the wearer's response ability. Lack of response to multiple prompts can indicate unconsciousness, leading the device to initiate an alarm sequence.