Guarding Against Infant Abduction with New Technology

Snatched At Birth! Though this may seem like a headline from a supermarket tabloid, or the latest TV "Movie of the Week", the fact of the matter is, in the beehive of activity that is the modern metropolitan medical center, protecting newborns, and other patients, can be a very real problem. Though infant abductions may be relatively rare, technology is now being developed that can make this devastating crime even more unlikely. An electronic system that allows hospital officials to constantly monitor the exact location of a particular infant has been developed. The basic component of these types of systems, is a transponder attached to an elastic wristband so it can comfortably adapt to changes in the baby's size and weight. Any unauthorized tampering with or removals of the band, or any attempt to carry a child from the controlled area will immediately alert security personnel. Once triggered, the automatic central alarm can seal off the entire facility, quickly thwarting almost any means of escape.

Hospital administrators have said that this new system is easy to use and the computer tags are easy to program. This new improved technology is being used at hospitals such as St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Edgewood, Kentucky. When St. Elizabeth first came up with an infant abduction prevention plan they had an alarm system that only provided an alarm, but not the exact location of the alarm. The new technology gives personnel an exact location of where the alarm is being generated, and a patient's name. One security administrator at St. Elizabeth's reported that in his hospital he noted that parents seeing that tag on their baby which gives them the security of knowing that their baby is safe is very good for public relations. He noted that in fact if the parents inadvertently walked down the hall and set the alarm off, by seeing everybody come running is a positive plus to that secure feeling.

The technology behind this security system is based on RFID technology, which is an acronym for Radio Frequency Identification. There's two basic parts of it. The first part is the front end that the users interface with. The second is the independently operating protection systems that are at the doors, the elevators, and the stairwells. This same technology that has been used to protect infants, can also be applied to avoid tragedies involving mentally or physically disabled adult patients, as well as prevent theft of valuable medical equipment and other high value assets.

The security of children is necessary in hospitals, but there are other establishments that we'd all hope to be more secure. And indeed, this new technology can also be invaluable to places such as daycare centers to count whether children are on site or off site, and public places like theme parks where this technology can be used to ensure the safety of people.

We come into this world helpless and in need of protection. For some that need remains throughout life. For others, that need can return with age. Everyday, modern medical science is finding ways to use advanced technology to provide the protection we need for today and for a healthier future.