The VeriChip is a micro processing chip that contains a personal identification number, and is implanted under the skin. The VeriChip is designed to aid medical caregivers by providing immediate medical records for patients in emergency situations. Information that doctors need such as allergies to medicines, heart conditions, and current medications would be available in seconds. Personal information such as name, address, and phone numbers can also be stored making it simple to identify a patient that has a VeriChip. Scott R. Silverman who is the Chairman and CEO of VeriChip says, "We are very pleased with the continued acceptance of the VeriMed Patient Identification systems by hospital emergency departments as they recognize the value it provides in improving patient care" (qtd. in VeriChip Corporation). The VeriTeQ Acqusition sates, VeriChip is the first and only implantable radio frequency identification (RFID) microchip that has been approved by the FDA for human patient identificaion.
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The VeriChip could be a helpful tool when caring for a person who suffers from Alzheimer's disease. People who have Alzheimer's suffer from memory loss, and disorientation. Many people with Alzheimer's disease get confused, and forget where they are. They often end up lost, and sometimes hurt. This is a very stressful situation for both the individual and their family. The VeriChip could reduce that stress. It can easily and quickly identify the patient's personal information, medical information, and emergency contact information. With this information available, doctors can provide the correct treatment (if needed), and notify family members sooner. The VeriChip could also assist police officers in their efforts to identify and return patients to their homes.
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The VeriChip is also an instrumental tool in protecting newborn children. Some hospitals are now placing VeriChip ankle bracelets on newborn babies not only identify them, but to protect them. It prevents someone from just waking out the door with a baby that is not their own, and eliminates any accidental baby switching. The bracelet on the baby matches up with one that is given to the mother. The mother is the only person that can take the baby out of the hospital. Although the technology is still being developed, VeriChip could also assist in finding a lost or kidnapped child. Once alerted that a child is missing VeriChip sends out a team of employees that would set up a perimeter around the area that the child was last seen. If the child is still in the area a signal would be sent from the VeriChip targeting the location. If the child is no longer in the area VeriChip may still be able to help. They are placing free standing scanners that people must walk through in airports. If a missing child is scanned the authorities would know the location immediately. As the technology grows, more scanners will go up in more places.
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