RFID Tags Prevent Infant Abductions

AeroScout and McRoberts Security Technologies announce the first wireless, campus-wide RFID infant security system for healthcare facilities. Because it works over a standard Wi-Fi network, this groundbreaking RFID technology provides cost-effective infant tracking and protection. The RFID security system also supports Wi-Fi-based applications like Temperature & Humidity Monitoring and Asset Management.

"Our mission is to provide the highest level of physical security to the healthcare industry, something we've been doing for twenty years," said Meredith McRoberts, CEO of McRoberts Security Technologies. "Our new infant security solution is an important advancement, and we're pleased to be partnering with AeroScout, the top provider of RTLS, to elevate the level of infant protection that hospitals are able to provide."

According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (www.missingkids.com), two-thirds of infant abductions occur in healthcare facilities. Of these, 20 percent happen outside the Mother-Baby unit. Other abductions occur in pediatric rooms, nurseries and the grounds of healthcare facilities. Offenders of these crimes sometimes pretend to be hospital staff members to gain access to the infants, at times telling the mothers that they are nurses and they need to borrow the child for tests. Abductions of infants six months or younger by non-family members are commonly classified as “non-traditional” child abductions, meaning they are not motivated by ransom, revenge, sex, profit or power, but instead are motivated by the offender's need for a child to fill their life. Having a child abducted is one of the most devastating events that can happen to a family.

To prevent infant abductions, the newborn's umbilical cord clamp is outfitted with a patented RFID Umbilical Cord Infant Tag. If an attempt is made to leave with the child unauthorized, the RFID tag will cause an alarm to sound, alerting the personnel. The RFID tag will automatically lock the magnetic door and hold elevators. The RFID system integrates seamlessly with other security and access control systems, like video surveillance, card access, pages and public address systems. The RFID tag also reduces the risk of intentional or accidental baby switching.

According to Scott McFarland, General Manager of Healthcare at AeroScout, "Being able to locate and protect infants campus-wide, and not just in dedicated units, brings a superior level of security for newborns. AeroScout is pleased to be working with McRoberts to deliver this breakthrough Infant Security solution to hospitals and to help put families and staff more at ease."

McRoberts Security Technologies (www.mcrobertssecuritytechnologies.com), a subsidiary of McRoberts Protective Agency, specializes in patient protection and infant security solutions. They offer RFID-powered systems to protect, identify and locate people in healthcare environments.

AeroScout (www.aeroscout.com) is the global leader in providing Enterprise Visibility and Unified Asset solutions for mining, hospital, manufacturing and logistics organizations. They are headquartered in Redwood City, California but also has branches in Latin America, Europe, Asia, Middle East and Australia.

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