The city of Cambridge, Mass. will be making use of the EmFinders' EmSeeQ wearable locator system to upgrade its search and rescue technology to quickly track individuals who are prone to wandering due to cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer's, dementia or autism.

The Cambridge Police Department has now been dubbed as one of the progressive public safety organizations in the country and also the first in Mass. to upgrade its search and rescue facility to locate wandering and lost persons with this system.

According to Emfinders, the EmSeeQ is a package that consists simply of the device and the service that supports it. When one purchases the EmSeeQ, they will also be asked to select a service payment plan—they can pay by the month or pay for service all at once. Since EmSeeQ works with the existing 9-1-1 network, no additional equipment is necessary. EmSeeQ devices are also available for purchase as a tool to help in the search and rescue of vulnerable citizens who are prone to becoming lost and may be unable to identify themselves or ask for help.

EmFinders Operation Network (EON) is a redundant and secure network of database and application servers that contain all necessary data and functionality to monitor and control the EmSeeQ. This EON communicates with the respective caregiver agencies and 911 or public safety officials at times of device activation and rescue processes.

EmFinders explained that the EmSeeQ is essentially a miniature, single-purpose wireless device that upon remote activation dials 9-1-1 and reports its location directly to emergency responders. It uses U-TDOA Phase II location technology that is claimed to be providing over 60 million E-9-1-1 locations per year.

Officials with Emfinders asserted that they are thrilled to have the City of Cambridge on board as the first in the state to implement this life-saving technology. EmSeeQ has already successfully aided in the quick rescue of numerous individuals in California, Texas, New York and Virginia, and look forward to the opportunity to offer this vital service to residents in Cambridge and other parts of the state.

“We are very pleased to offer this life-saving technology to improve the quality of life and safety for our residents in need. Adopting the latest technology to protect our community is a core component of our mission as a department. The EmFinders system enables us to provide a higher level of security and peace of mind, while also meeting our budgetary obligations,” stated Cambridge Police Commissioner Robert Haas, in a press release. 


Nathesh is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of Nathesh's articles, please visit his columnist page.

Edited by Jennifer Russell