[07/27/06]
VeriChip Corporation, a subisidiary of Applied Digital, announced that the VeriMed Patient Identification System was successfully utilized at Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack, New Jersey, helping a Bergen County Police Officer, who previously received the VeriChip, during an emergency situation. The event represented the first time that a patient who had received a VeriChip was able to receive treatment from a hospital that also offered the System.
Hackensack's emergency room medical staff had immediate, secure access to Sgt. William Koretsky's identity and medical history after scanning his VeriChip microchip and linking it with the officer's patient information file stored on VeriChip Corporation's secure database. Koretsky, a Bergen County Police officer, was taken to Hackensack University Medical Center with head, neck and back injuries after a high speed chase that resulted in a car accident. He consented to disclosing his name and information about the incident so that others could know of the benefits of having medical records rapidly available.
"As a police officer involved in high-risk situations, incidents such as my experience at Hackensack University Medical Center highlight the important role that the VeriChip can play in situations where it is critical for emergency room personnel to access medical conditions and history. As a result of my previously receiving the VeriChip and Hackensack's emergency room having a Patient Identification System, I was able to receive faster treatment during the critical time period when I arrived at the hospital," said Koretsky.
"We are extremely thankful that Sgt. Koretsky is healed and has returned to duty," remarked Kevin McLaughlin, President and CEO of VeriChip Corporation. "We are very proud of how the VeriMed Patient Identification performed during this emergency situation. This event illustrates the important role that the VeriChip can play in medical care."
VeriChip's FDA-approved, human-implantable RFID microchip, inserted just under the skin of the patient's upper right arm, links a patient through a unique 16-digit identifier with their secure, on-line patient information file. Each record can contain vital information related to the patient's condition, family contacts, lab test data, and pharmacy records helping make the difference between life and death during an emergency. Currently, 110 medical facilities have committed to adopt the VeriMed Patient Identification System in their emergency rooms while over 2,500 people have gotten a VeriChip microchip worldwide.
About Applied Digital -- "The Power of Identification Technology"
Applied Digital develops innovative identification and security products for consumer, commercial, and government sectors worldwide. The Company's unique and often proprietary products provide identification and security systems for people, animals, the food supply, government/military arena, and commercial assets. Included in this diversified product line are RFID applications, end-to-end food safety systems, GPS/Satellite communications, and telecomm and security infrastructure, positioning Applied Digital as the leader in identification technology. Applied Digital is the owner of a majority position in Digital Angel Corporation.
|
