VITAband

A VITAband showing a Visa Debit card

VITAband is a silicone encircling strip worn on the wrist.[1] It can be referred to a bracelet-like band of a wristwatch, to the cuff or other part of a sleeve that covers the wrist. It is a lightweight, waterproof and hypoallergenic[2] flexible wristband that is used when jogging, running, cycling or hiking, or when carrying a wallet is inconvenient.[3][4] VITAband holds emergency medical information and Visa RFID credit card information.[3] The wristband has two unique features.[5] It comprises an integrated Visa Debit card with payWave wireless functionality and a toll-free phone number with unique identity code that can be used by EMTs to retrieve health information and contacts in case of an accident or health emergency.[5][6][7]

History

VITAband was created by David Waxman and Jason Brown in 2007 and was launched in September 2009.[8][9] The idea was conceived from medical ID bracelet but the designers had targeted athletes. So, they set out to design a medical ID bracelet that was comfortable to wear while jogging, running, cycling, hiking, etc., along with being versatile enough to use during exercise.[1][10] VITAband is a combination of design and function which conveniently and securely stores emergency information remotely and offers access to money by contactless payment.[8]

VITAband

Description

The designers wanted to set their product apart from others so they integrated contactless payment technology into the band.[9] A user has to set up his Emergency Response Profile (ERP), which includes basic contact information, blood type, allergies, insurance information, medications, and emergency contacts.[9][10] Annual subscription is required to maintain the Emergency Response Profile (ERP)[2] In the case of an emergency, medical professionals are trained to look for the number on the user's VITAband and then would have instant access to their ERP.[11] It's a simple bracelet that is keyed to a remote website that holds vital information, such as name, address, and any medical conditions a user might have.[12] The system accepts insurance information.[5][12] An integrated Visa debit card with payWave wireless functionality has been used.[6] Via this technology, the user makes a payment by waving the chip in front of a credit card terminal.[1] To use the contactless payment via VITAband which is a prepaid card, the user must first set up a VITAband Visa prepaid card.[5][13] Users can load the card with anywhere from US$25 to $500 via the company website.[10]

Size

VITAband comes in two sizes:[2] a small size of 180 mm (7.1 in) and a large size of 202 mm (8.0 in).[2][4]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "VITAband". Gear Patrol. 2011-09-15.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Ultra-rock-tri. "Nathan VITAband ID Band at". Rei.com. Retrieved 2012-03-11.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "VITAband Holds Emergency Medical Info, Visa RFID Credit Card for Joggers". Lifehacker.com. 2011-09-22.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Convenient cash + safety with VITAband … sweet! - Family Health Guy - Site Home - MSDN Blogs". Blogs.msdn.com. 2011-11-17.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 "Vitaband « Not Fast But Not Last". Notfastbutnotlast.com. 2012-02-27. Retrieved 2012-03-11.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "WIRED Store". Store.wired.com. Retrieved 2012-03-11.
  7. ↑ Austin (2011-10-21). "enjoy the ride: Product Review: Vitaband". Enjoytheridetri.blogspot.com.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "VITAband". CoolBusinessIdeas.com. 2009-07-31.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 "Detailed Review of VITAband". TriBomb. Retrieved 2012-03-11.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 "VITAband is a cash/ID combo you wear on your wrist". Gizmag.com. 2012-02-06.
  11. ↑ "VITAband". VITAband. Retrieved 2012-03-11.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 "Combine Medical Alerts, Cashless Payment with VITAband". TechNewsDaily.com. 2012-02-17.
  13. ↑ Steve Casimiro (2011-09-21). "Fresh Goods: VITAband Emergency Bracelet (and Cash)". Adventure-journal.com.

External links