Inventor Chris Ford, left, pictured at the Science Park with Chris Skidmore MP for the launch of Tap2Tag
A potentially life-saving invention by a Kingswood businessman has been launched at the Bristol & Bath Science Park at Emersons Green today.
Tap2Tag Medical is the brainchild of Chris Ford, of Raymarsh Ford accountants.
Using new technology in a way anyone can access, it will significantly speed up the process of a patient receiving the correct treatment in an emergency.
A typical Tap2Tag user wears a wristband, similar to the rubber charity wristbands, or might have a key fob or carry a card. Each device is embedded with technology known as NFC (near-field communication) which was designed for use with mobile phones. By the end of this year, virtually all new smartphones are expected to have it.
In an emergency, for example when someone collapses, after calling the emergency services any passer-by or neighbour with an NFC-enabled mobile phone can ‘tap’ the patient’s device. With a couple of clicks they can gain instant access to information which the wearer has chosen to disclose, which might include medical data and known allergies.
Attending the launch of the product were representatives from the South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group, Bristol City Council’s public health department, South Western Ambulance Service and Epilepsy Action among others.
Mr Ford, 49, from Downend, told The Week In that he heard about NFC at a business breakfast meeting about 16 months ago and came away inspired. He spoke to his wife Sue and grown-up sons Sam and Harry about it and they discussed how they might be able to use the technology in a business venture. The result was Tap2Tag.
Kingswood MP Chris Skidmore helped set up the product’s launch at the Science Park. He said today: “I’m very pleased that local businesses such as this are setting up in Kingswood. This is a really exciting new device that has potential to transform the lives of people with health conditions, disabilities or communication difficulties and the frail elderly. I was delighted to help launch the Tap2Tag device.”
Mr Ford also has plans to develop Tap2Tag in other areas. Anyone wanting to find out more can contact Mr Ford on 0117 911 8948 or visit http://www.tap2tag.me
