Think Safe, Unique Life-saving Iowa Company, Receives Patent

US Patent 8,647,123B1 Issued to Iowa Company and Founders Paula Wickham & Annette Carter

Think Safe, a Cedar Rapids, IA based company and homegrown Iowa business that started from scratch, based upon the idea of an Iowa citizen, received its first patent in early 2014.  The idea formed what is now known as an Emergency Instruction Device (EID), a technology product being marketed all over the US and in other countries. On February 11, 2014, US Patent8,647,123 was issued and assigned to Retrac, Inc. (now doing business as Think Safe Inc. in Cedar Rapids, Iowa) and company founders and inventors.

Emergency Instruction Device (EID)

The EID patent is a major milestone for Think Safe, which was originally founded in 2004 centrally focused on the idea of the EID.  The EID is often called a CPR & First Aid Assistance device, first aid tablet or talking first aid book and is the only dedicated technology device on the market today that offers first aid and CPR instructions to minimally trained or even untrained people during workplace or public rescue situations.  Key details of product functionality include American Heart Association compliance to cognitive feedback device recommendations, as seen here:  http://www.firstvoice.us/Products/FirstAidCPRAssist/tabid/790/Default.aspx.

The idea behind the EID  product was conceived by Annette Carter, a former flight nurse for St. Luke’s Hospital, to bring resources and knowledge during critical gaps in time between when a trauma occurs and when advanced medical help arrives.  Annette, during her long career of pre-hospital trauma care, saw how such a device could  help make a difference. Today, the Think Safe logo is “Making Minutes Matter” to emphasize the foundation values that remain important to the company going forward.

Dr. Donald Linder with the Emergency Instruction Device outside his hospital in Cedar Rapids, IA

The EID and responder kit systems that can be bundled with the EID provide not only essential and organized medical supplies,  but also audio and text instructions to coach people through emergency situations until help arrives.  Annette’s vision became a reality with the help of several co-inventors listed on the patent: Paula Wickham , Kirk Dighton, and Troy Mundt, who all served various roles in pre-market research or market introduction and sales or distribution of the EID.  The device has been beneficial during many lifesaving situations and testimonials shared by clients, and has had key endorsements in its short lifespan to date (click here for more details). 

The EID or “first aid tablet” can guide people through any major or minor first aid emergency and giving reminders or when to: call 911, check scene safety, use personal protection, provide treatment instructions including information on what not to do,  or what to do after the incident, including key tips on information record keeping or scene cleanup procedures.  Since its’ invention, the EID functionality has been converted to software that can work with any computer or technology device with WiFi access or downloaded software (ResQr) developed by Think Safe.  However, the EID continues to be Think Safe’s signature technology product and the company is proud of the lives it has helped to save as well as the awards we have received that showcase the innovation of the company.

First Voice Systems include an EID and other equipment such as an AED or first aid kit

The EID is often paired with various specialty first aid or responder kits or an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), depending on risks that exist at the client’s organization or workplace.  Think Safe is an established manufacturer, wholesaler, training services provider, and overall integrator, bringing clients the products and services packages that they need or want to help mitigate risks, decrease panic, and provide confidence during emergency, first aid, or medical illness situations.  The device even allows for users to switch languages mid-instruction for translation of instructions to any other languages also on the EID.  In the United States, the device is sold with English and Spanish as the key default languages.

Think Safe has other patents that are in process and has already filed continuations on the existing patent that protects additional product developments and other unique features of the technology offering.  “You can expect to see more patents issued to Think Safe as the company matures and our product offerings mature and grow in popularity and change based upon customer needs or desires”, states Paula Wickham, Think Safe President.

Think Safe is committed to using technology to develop, manufacture and provide innovative products and solutions which improve training and access to CPR, First Aid, and other essential care during emergency situations, setting new standards for comprehensive emergency readiness and response.  We manufacture innovative products for first aid technology and are a major wholesaler for devices like our First Voice Emergency Instruction Device (EID) and all brands/makes/models of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), including services that make things easier for our dealers and customers.  Think Safe’s products are available under the First Voice product line brand name, ResQr, or RescueMate brand name in various countries today.  Think Safe primarily sells the First Voice product line through established distributors or dealers and continues to selectively add new dealers, based upon geographic area or industry focus of the dealer.

Check out our http://www.think-safe.com or http://www.firstvoice.us websites for more information on the products outlined on this blog post or other products and services developed by Think Safe to include: First Voice AED online web-based program management software and First Voice Compliance Management System Software (SaaS offerings);  First Voice AED program medical oversight services;  First Voice or American Heart Association First aid & CPR training (online Elearning, blended learning, or in-person instruction); and other safety-related products and services.

Think Safe won a SAXCIES award for “Best New Safety Product” for the Emergency Instruction Device (EID) invention

For more information on the Think Safe EID, check out the product on our website or fill out the form below!

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AED (Automated External Defibrillator) Battery Recycle Program Offers Big Savings!

How much battery life do you have left on your Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Battery? Have you checked the install date or expiry date lately?

Think Safe can recycle your old battery from ANY AED, and we even PAY YOU for certain battery brands/models! All you have to do is call us, get a recycle program shipment packaging # assigned, and ship us your batteries for CASH OR CREDIT!

Why not call us to confirm how much you get money back on expired batteries?  Why not also check out our consumables (battery/pad/electrode) pricing?  We believe in providing the BEST PRICING on replacement supplies for your AED!    Keep reading for more details on how to recycle your battery and get the best deals!

Get paid for recycling batteries from these models:

Cardiac Science
Powerheart AED (9200RD/9210RD) -Batteries discontinued. *Check on battery recycling programs to extend the life of your AED. Email us for more information.
Firstsave AED (9200D/9210D) -Batteries discontinued. *Check on battery recycling programs to extend the life of your AED. Email us for more information.
Firstsave AED G3 (9300C-001)-Batteries discontinued. *Check on battery recycling programs to extend the life of your AED. Email us for more information.
Medtronic/Physio-Control
Medtronic/Physio-Control LifePak 500 (Catalog numbers 99401-001083, 99401-001085, 99401-001087 and 99401-001089) -Batteries and pads- call for deadline information or Email us.**Check on battery recycling programs to extend the life of your AED. Email us for more information. Owner manual
LIFEPAK 500 Nonrechargeable lithium sulfur dioxide (LiSO2) or lithium manganese dioxide (LiMnO2)battery pak.  *Check on battery recycling programs to extend the life of your AED. Email us for more information.
Philips
Heartstart FR2+ AED (M3860A/ M3861A)-Batteries and Pads call for deadline information or Email us.**Check on battery recycling programs to extend the life of your AED. Email us for more information. Laerdal Heartstart FR2+ (M3840A/M3841A) -Batteries and Pads call for deadline information or Email us.**Check on battery recycling programs to extend the life of your AED. Email us for more information.
Philips HeartStart Forerunner AED or FR2 *-Batteries and Pads call for deadline information or Email us.**Check on battery recycling programs to extend the life of your AED. Email us for more information.

Also – get paid or earn a credit to recycle your: 
Philips:  FRx, Onsite, HeartStart batteries – BIG SAVINGS over the life of the AED are realized when you take advantage of this AED recycling program!

DO YOU Want THE BEST PRICING ON REPLACEMENT BATTERIES for your AED?  Save Money. No Hassles.  Be an AED Program Hero.  Pricing is 1/2 or LESS of what normal prices are!  Full warranty batteries! Contact us at 319-377-5125 or fill out the form below to get more information!

We are here to help you with your AED program needs!  Fill out the form below to find out how to get $$$$$$$$ or earn future purchases credit per battery sent to Think Safe!

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More Lifesaving Stories… (Giving Thanks)

The Think Safe online marketing team just had a meeting and decided that we are long overdue for a recent blog post.  Topic: Being Thankful.

It is a good time to be thankful with Thanksgiving just having past us by and the Christmas holiday upcoming.  Life is precious and in just minutes, can be taken away….or, given back.  Three examples:

Think Safe Client Location – Life Saved:  Riverside CA Anytime Fitness …read all about it at:  http://clubindustry.com/blog/members-saved-clubs-have-plenty-be-thankful

Think Safe Client Location – Life Saved:  Plainfield, IN Skyzone Franchise.  A man in his 50’s is successfully saved at trampoline part and PAYS IT FORWARD by donating AED to Indianapolis Children’s Museum! 

Think Safe Client Location – Successful AED use event:  New Jersey Fitness facility – AED is used to successfully shock man in his 50’s that collapses from sudden cardiac arrest. 

SCA Survivor Sue Young

SCA Survivor Patti Farrell

These are just a few of the successes we have had in recent months.  How prepared are you for these types of emergencies?  As the year comes to a close, the Think Safe marketing team wishes all of our clients and associates a safe and prepared New Year to come! Thank you for your business and for your trust.  

Contact Think Safe at:

4080 1st Avenue NE

Main Office 110

Cedar Rapids, IA 52402

888-473-1777

info@think-safe.com

Making Minutes Matter!

American Heart Association Studies on Cognitive & Feedback Aids

2010 New Guidelines

What does the American Heart Association recent guidelines update have to say about cognitive aids and feedback devices?

A quick summary from 2010 American Heart Association Guidelines, Supplement to Circulation Volume 122, Issue 18, Supplement 3 from November 2, 2010:

1) Part 5: Page S697, “real-time CPR prompting & feedback technology such as visual and auditory prompting devices can improve the quality of CPR.”

2) Part 16: Page S920, “non-responders most frequently cited panic and fear of hurting the patient as reasons they were unable to perform.”

3) Part 16:Page 921, “even brief training increases the willingness to use an AED and improves performance.”

4) Part 16:Page 922, “short video instruction combined with synchronous hands on practice is an effective alternative to instructor-led basic life support courses.”

5) Part 16:Page 923, “ECC courses should be part of a larger continuing education and continuous quality improvement process.”

6) Part 16:Page 923, “Checklists or cognitive aids may be considered for use during actual resuscitation.”

7) Part 16: Page 923, “CPR prompt and feedback devices can be useful as part of an overall strategy to improve the quality of CPR during actual resuscitation.”

To find out more about current technology and first aid or CPR checklists, cognitive aids and feedback devices available today and distribution opportunities, contact First Voice at 888-473-1777 or complete the following form and we will be happy to contact you.

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First Voice EID upgrades NOW AVAILABLE!

Talking First Aid Book / First Aid Calculator

ECC / AHA & National First Aid Science Upgrades were released in late 2010.  For more information on this see our blog post from October:

https://thinksafe.wordpress.com/2010/10/19/the-2010-guidelines-for-cpr%E2%80%A6/

Think Safe’s First Voice EID is ready for CPR/First Aid upgrades to be sent to you, our dealers and customers!

Part No. DC01: The $29 upgrade is sent in a datacard and can be easily inserted/changed by following the user instructions sent with the upgrade.  

Dealers please contact us for further information on how to provide your customers easy upgrades (email:mmaly@think-safe.com).

The First Voice EID is the only Emergency Instruction Device / Talking First Aid Book / First Aid Calculator on the market for business use, containing all first aid & CPR AHA manual current protocols.  The device is easy to upgrade through an accessible dataport on the back of the device as first aid & CPR protocols do change every 3-5 years through scientific studies and advances in first aid / CPR science.

2010 updates implemented in 2011 on the EID protocols include:  CPR updates to include compression depth & C-A-B changes for trained rescuers and hands only CPR for untrained rescuers, education & recognition of gasping vs. normal breathing, and advised AED use for infants.  First Aid updates include additional heat stroke advice, jellyfish sting updated care,  clarification on aspirin use for heart attack symptoms, both US and Canadian Poison Control contact information, bleeding wound care updates (elevation, pressure points, tourniquet, compression bandage use), additional information on when to suspect head, neck or spinal injuries, and snakebite first aid care updates.

Please contact us today for your upgrade:

(email:pwickham@think-safe.com or 888/473/1777)

SafetyMate Trade-in: $50 Value!

Or, if you have an outdated SafetyMate model

NOW is the time to upgrade to First Voice:

$50 REBATE on ANY SafetyMate exchanged

& First Voice EID (AVU5001) ordered!

Expires:  3/31/2011

Customer LifeSaving Event Post-Event Review

HeartSine ECG (click on this link and link on next page to see an actual scanned ECG record of a lifesaving event) One of our customers recently used their HeartSine samaritan HS01 AED to save the life of a fitness club member!

What does all of the attached ECG picture and lines mean?

It took about 1 second to put on the AED pads after turning on the device.  It took the HeartSine about 8 seconds to analyze and recommend shock.  It took 5 seconds for the employees to stand clear and press the shock button.  Shock 1 was administered about 16 seconds into the rescue/response.

CPR then commenced.  You can see the effectiveness of the CPR and then the patient’s heartbeat restored.  At just past 2 minutes from initial use of the AED, EMS arrived and removed the AED pads, placing on their own pads.

The EMS confirmed that the AED being used so quickly was part of the reason the patient survived. The in-house response time was just under 2-3 minutes from time of collapse to time AED arrived on scene to use. WITH EVERY MINUTE THAT ELAPSES, CHANCES OF SURVIVAL DECREASE BY 10%!

This AED was used in a fitness club, in a metro area, response time for EMS was just under 6 minutes from time of 9-1-1 initial call.

This data was pulled from the AED using event review software that is included FREE with the equipment sold by Think Safe.  A medical director for the fitness club was sent the information for their interpretation and for use by the patient’s medical doctors.

Truly, AEDs are powerful lifesaving devices! The only way to reduce the 300,000 plus death toll on Sudden Cardiac Arrest (the nation’s largest killer) is to increase public knowledge on AEDs and improve AED placements for quick and effective defibrillation response for victims of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA).  With average national EMS response times being 8-10 minutes, workplaces and places of high risk for SCA need to purchase AEDs in order to protect their employees or members.

To find out more about how your organization can easily install and implement an AED or AED program; please call us at 888-473-1777.  Our company can arrange for someone to visit you or your facility or we can speak with you over the phone.  All of our AED packages come with the following at no extra charge:  Prescription (Rx), AED Administrator Toolkit (inspection tags, checklists, drills, placement surveys and install direction, AED acquirer compliance checklists to state laws, post-event review technical assistance and more….

For more information, contact one of our AED experts at 888-473-1777 or complete the following form and we will be happy to get in touch with you!

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Questions from ResQr buyer & Answers from Think Safe President/CEO

On August 20th we got a great email from Travis with some very thoughtful questions on our Seizure Disorder Coach.

Seizure Disorder Coach menu

Travis’ questions were:

• What types of seizures?
• How long does the program say to wait for the person to “recover” before calling emergency rescue?
• How far does the program go in instructing people to handle epileptics during/after seizures and at what point does it say to call the hospital into the picture?

President/CEO of Think Safe took the time to write Travis this message back:

Great questions….I hope that the following can provide the details you need.  If not, hit us back!

The application is designed for the average layperson providing standard expected first aid care.  That limits us to providing coaching within the app that is in line with the expectations of the national first aid science standards / AHA /ARC standards for response to a medical condition such as yours.

These organizations call for 911 response if the victim is pregnant, diabetic (and having seizures), experiences multiple seizures or a seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes – OR if the seizure has no known cause.

It further states that if you are confused and disoriented to not allow the person to resume “activity”.  (thus, they would not call 911 but they would monitor you)

It then goes into keeping you calm and monitoring.  If you go unconscious it will tell them to provide CPR and if your airway becomes obstructed it will go through Breathing / Choking procedures including clearing airway and recovery position.

The protocols then state to cover with blanket if signs of shock are present (and we tell them the signs of shock).

And then it goes into calling 911 if there are signs of shock.

So, it will tell them to call 911 /advanced care for shock and for the reasons outlined in paragraph 2 of this detail.

Does that help?

I strongly recommend our ResQr First Aid & CPR Coach as a full solution; while it is $5.99 – it will give you an additional $4 worth of ANY medical emergency…and also cover seizure emergencies just like the above application would as well!  But, on a limited budget – at least the $1.99 Seizure coach gives you another tool for a loved/or friend to just use as a confidence builder”.  Make sure they use it once or see it before they have to in an emergency though; while I am sure they would be just fine…at least you can cover your expectations and concerns up front and share with them some of the specifics of your condition and what they can expect.

It is hard to design these apps for specific conditions – I had a father that was severely epileptic and died during GM; he died while home alone.  So, this is close to my heart.  The goal is to give you tools to share with others and to use on others – if you are not alone and can provide assistance to prevent death or disability!

All my best,

Great questions….I hope that the following can provide the details you need. If not, hit us back!

The application is designed for the average layperson providing standard expected first aid care. That limits us to providing coaching within the app that is in line with the expectations of the national first aid science standards / AHA /ARC standards for response to a medical condition such as yours.

These organizations call for 911 response if the victim is pregnant, diabetic (and having seizures), experiences multiple seizures or a seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes – OR if the seizure has no known cause.

It further states that if you are confused and disoriented to not allow the person to resume “activity”.  (thus, they would not call 911 but they would monitor you)

It then goes into keeping you calm and monitoring. If you go unconscious it will tell them to provide CPR and if your airway becomes obstructed it will go through Breathing / Choking procedures including clearing airway and recovery position.

The protocols then state to cover with blanket if signs of shock are present (and we tell them the signs of shock).

And then it goes into calling 911 if there are signs of shock.

So, it will tell them to call 911 /advanced care for shock and for the reasons outlined in paragraph 2 of this detail.

Does that help?

I strongly recommend our ResQr First Aid & CPR Coach as a full solution; while it is $5.99 – it will give you an additional $4 worth of ANY medical emergency…and also cover seizure emergencies just like the above application would as well! But, on a limited budget – at least the $1.99 Seizure coach gives you another tool for a loved/or friend to just use as a confidence builder”. Make sure they use it once or see it before they have to in an emergency though; while I am sure they would be just fine…at least you can cover your expectations and concerns up front and share with them some of the specifics of your condition and what they can expect.

It is hard to design these apps for specific conditions – I had a father that was severely epileptic and died during GM; he died while home alone. So, this is close to my heart. The goal is to give you tools to share with others and to use on others – if you are not alone and can provide assistance to prevent death or disability!

The ResQr family is not meant to be reference guides, but rather tools that assist in a real-time event. If any of you ever have questions on the way ResQr delivers step-by-step instructions on how best deliver emergency first aid, please contact us today.

The App Podcast Review

It’s very smart in the way that it walks you through what you should be dealing with in what particular order.

This review,  done by Jerad Hill from The App Podcast,  just showed up on our radar.

This is a good app to have on hand if you’re an active person and you are around other people where there is the possibility of potentially getting hurt.

Hill brought up a good point in the review, “it would be nice if there were pictures that went along with it.”  We hope to add photos and maybe even video when we put out a new version.

Drop us a note in the comment section, or if you’re on Twitter, send us an reply to @ThinkSafe of any comments, suggestions or if you have reviewed one of our products!