Immunology

Ascom (www.ascom.com/ws), a leading provider of on-site wireless communications, has been awarded the prestigious Red Dot Award 2014 for its Wireless Alarm Transceiver product design. A panel of 40 international design experts evaluated 4,815 entries from 53 countries to determine winners of the annual competition.

This is the second time Ascom has been honored by Red Dot, as it also won the design award in 2012 for its teleCARE IP patient handset.

"The Ascom Wireless Alarm Transceiver allows senior care residents to enjoy greater mobility with peace of mind, while caregivers can be assured that everyone is safe," explained Ascom Project Manager Jan Ringenier. Significantly, he added, the device was designed to have a' friendly', less institutional look" to help residents overcome the stigma of wearing alarms."

Ringenier continued: "The transceiver is designed to express simplicity, friendliness and quality with a distinct circular center piece, which creates focus and reduces perceived size. In addition, the center parts are exchangeable, creating freedom for personalizing or context adaptation. The surrounding ring has a protective ridge reducing risk of false alarm, will still making the button easy to access. For convenience, transceivers can be worn either around the neck or on the wrist."

"The issues with persons in senior care are myriad and demanding on staff," he continued. "Knowing the locations of residents when they need help saves critical time, and wander management functionality brings peace of mind to staff and residents' families."