Miniature message module

• Main Authors: Gibson, Donald F, Gibson, Mark R
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 02.09.2003

Medical profile information storage apparatus and methods are known which retain information pertinent to emergency care should the need arise. Such information includes name, address, persons to contact, allergies, medications, and other medical conditions and alerts which may be helpful to emergency personnel, bystanders, and others in providing appropriate care. Several prior art systems and methods are known which are typically employed to store such medical profile information. An "emergency contact" sheet is often kept on file by an employer, school, or other institution affiliated with an individual. "Medic alert" bracelets are often worn to indicate particular medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, by having a message printed thereon. Active transmission devices allow a victim to send a signal or voice message to a remote receiving station from which assistance can be dispatched. An annunciator device operable to record and store a message can be disposed in close proximity to a user for playback of the message if the user becomes incapacitated or otherwise unable to respond. The annunciator device includes an actuator or button to initiate recording or playback of the message. A mode selector switch determines whether recording or playback will occur. Once recorded, the message is stored in a memory and can be broadcast to others by triggering the actuator to initiate playback. The stored message can contain information such as name, address, medical conditions, persons to contact, and other information which may assist emergency personnel, bystanders, and others in providing appropriate care and attention should the user become incapacitated or unable to respond.