VITAband

VITAband is a silicone encircling strip worn on the wrist. 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[1] flexible wristband that is used when jogging, running, cycling or hiking, or when carrying a wallet is inconvenient.[2][3] VITAband holds emergency medical information and Visa RFID credit card information.[2] The wristband has two unique features.[4] 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.[4][5][6]

A VITAband showing a Visa Debit card

History

VITAband was created by David Waxman and Jason Brown in 2007 and was launched in September 2009.[7][8] 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.[9] VITAband is a combination of design and function which conveniently and securely stores emergency information remotely and offers access to money by contactless payment.[7]

VITAband

Description

The designers wanted to set their product apart from others so they integrated contactless payment technology into the band.[8] 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.[8][9] Annual subscription is required to maintain the Emergency Response Profile (ERP)[1] 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.[10] 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.[11] The system accepts insurance information.[4][11] An integrated Visa debit card with payWave wireless functionality has been used.[5] Via this technology, the user makes a payment by waving the chip in front of a credit card terminal. To use the contactless payment via VITAband which is a prepaid card, the user must first set up a VITAband Visa prepaid card.[4][12] Users can load the card with anywhere from US$25 to $500 via the company website.[9]

Size

VITAband comes in two sizes:[1] a small size of 180 mm (7.1 in) and a large size of 202 mm (8.0 in).[1][3]

References
  1. Ultra-rock-tri. "Nathan VITAband ID Band at". Rei.com. Retrieved 2012-03-11.
  2. "VITAband Holds Emergency Medical Info, Visa RFID Credit Card for Joggers". Lifehacker.com. 2011-09-22.
  3. "Convenient cash + safety with VITAband … sweet! - Family Health Guy - Site Home - MSDN Blogs". Blogs.msdn.com. 2011-11-17.
  4. "Vitaband « Not Fast But Not Last". Notfastbutnotlast.com. 2012-02-27. Retrieved 2012-03-11.
  5. "WIRED Store". Store.wired.com. Retrieved 2012-03-11.
  6. Austin (2011-10-21). "enjoy the ride: Product Review: Vitaband". Enjoytheridetri.blogspot.com.
  7. "VITAband". CoolBusinessIdeas.com. 2009-07-31. Archived from the original on October 10, 2009.
  8. "Detailed Review of VITAband". TriBomb. Retrieved 2012-03-11.
  9. "VITAband is a cash/ID combo you wear on your wrist". Gizmag.com. 2012-02-06.
  10. "VITAband". VITAband. Retrieved 2012-03-11.
  11. "Combine Medical Alerts, Cashless Payment with VITAband". TechNewsDaily.com. 2012-02-17.
  12. Steve Casimiro (2011-09-21). "Fresh Goods: VITAband Emergency Bracelet (and Cash)". Adventure-journal.com.
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