“I've Fallen And I Can't Get Up!” Yeah, Lady, We Know.

Ofcom says Bluetooth technology could soon be used to alert emergency services when someone has a heart attack. (Ofcom is the independent regulator and competition authority for the communication industries in the UK. )

Ofcom said that sensors could be implanted into people at risk of heart attack or diabetic collapse that would allow doctors to monitor them remotely.

If the “in-body network” recorded that the person had suddenly collapsed, it would send an alert, via a nearby base station at their home, to a surgery or hospital.

Ofcom also gave warning in its report, Tomorrow’s Wireless World, that the impact of such technology on personal privacy would require more debate.

The technology could also be used if a patient failed to take his or her medicines. A pill dispenser would send an automatic reminder and, if the pills were not taken within a certain time, an alarm would sound and a message would be sent to the patient’s family or carers.

Geez.

Related:
New wi-fi devices warn doctors of heart attacks {Times Online UK}
Tomorrow’s Wireless World: Ofcom report on future communications technology {ofcom.org}