VITAband
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/82/VITAband%281%29.jpg/170px-VITAband%281%29.jpg)
VITAbandis asiliconeencircling strip worn on the wrist. It can be referred to a bracelet-like band of awristwatch,to the cuff or other part of a sleeve that covers the wrist. It is a lightweight,waterproofand hypoallergenic[1]flexible wristband that is used whenjogging,running,cyclingorhiking,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 integratedVisa Debitcard withpayWavewireless 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]
History
[edit]VITAband was created by David Waxman and Jason Brown in 2007 and was launched in September 2009.[7][8]The idea was conceived frommedical ID braceletbut the designers had targetedathletes.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 duringexercise.[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]
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/84/VITAband%282%29.jpg/150px-VITAband%282%29.jpg)
Description
[edit]The designers wanted to set their product apart from others so they integratedcontactless paymenttechnology 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 aprepaid 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
[edit]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
[edit]- ^abcdUltra-rock-tri."Nathan VITAband ID Band at".Rei.com.Retrieved2012-03-11.
- ^ab"VITAband Holds Emergency Medical Info, Visa RFID Credit Card for Joggers".Lifehacker.com. 2011-09-22.
- ^ab"Convenient cash + safety with VITAband… sweet! - Family Health Guy - Site Home - MSDN Blogs".Blogs.msdn.com. 2011-11-17.
- ^abcd"Vitaband « Not Fast But Not Last".Notfastbutnotlast.com. 2012-02-27.Retrieved2012-03-11.
- ^ab"WIRED Store".Store.wired.com.Retrieved2012-03-11.
- ^Austin (2011-10-21)."enjoy the ride: Product Review: Vitaband".Enjoytheridetri.blogspot.com.[dead link]
- ^ab"VITAband".CoolBusinessIdeas.com. 2009-07-31. Archived fromthe originalon October 10, 2009.
- ^abc"Detailed Review of VITAband".TriBomb.Retrieved2012-03-11.
- ^abc"VITAband is a cash/ID combo you wear on your wrist".Gizmag.com. 2012-02-06.
- ^"VITAband".VITAband.Retrieved2012-03-11.
- ^ab"Combine Medical Alerts, Cashless Payment with VITAband".TechNewsDaily.com. 2012-02-17.
- ^Steve Casimiro (2011-09-21)."Fresh Goods: VITAband Emergency Bracelet (and Cash)".Adventure-journal.com.