FRAMINGHAM, Mass. and FLORENCE, Ala., Jan. 5, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Diabetes affects almost 30 million Americans and it is the seventh deadliest disease in the country. Diabetes takes more lives annually than AIDS and breast cancer combined. If a person with diabetes experiences a blood glucose level that is outside of their therapeutic range, they may need immediate medical attention. However, that person may not be able to effectively communicate during a 9-1-1 call.
To address this very serious situation, the Diabetes Education and Camping Association (DECA) and Smart911, the life-saving, national safety service, today announced a strategic partnership to help provide first responders with extra, critical details about a 9-1-1 caller who may have diabetes. This important information, automatically displayed to 9-1-1 call takers, will enable emergency responders to act faster, with greater efficiency and arrive on-scene with the appropriate equipment and personnel.
"We are proud to share Smart911 as a resource because of its ability to save time in an emergency, which translates to lives," said Terry Ackley, executive director for the Diabetes Education and Camping Association. "A Smart911 Safety Profile will alert 9-1-1 that the caller may have diabetes, immediately enabling them to dispatch emergency medical personnel sooner and with a better understanding of the situation before they even arrive on scene. This is especially critical for those who are in the middle of an emergency and unable to speak."
A non-profit, charitable organization, the Diabetes Education and Camping Association's mission is to unite the worldwide diabetes camping community through leadership and education, as well as share resources to advance programs that dramatically impact people's lives. DECA operates a network of camps that build safe environments around youths so they can learn to independently manage their diabetes among peers and dedicated professionals, in an atmosphere of excitement and adventure.
"This is a natural partnership between DECA and Smart911," said Katharine Farrell, national marketing manager for Rave Mobile Safety, maker of Smart911. "Both organizations are dedicated to making sure that people with diabetes receive the fastest and most precise medical care, especially during an emergency situation. By working together, both of us can increase awareness and education for folks affected by diabetes, as well as create better outcomes."
Smart911 is a national, public safety service that gives 9-1-1 and first responders extra intelligence when responding to an emergency. Through free Safety Profiles, citizens can provide any information they would want emergency services to have when responding to their call, such as identity of residents, medical conditions including medications taken, photos of children and pets, and location of bedrooms. Safety Profiles are kept secure and only appear when the associated phone number calls 9-1-1, allowing for a more effective and precise emergency response, saving time and lives. Smart911 is available in more than 1,000 municipalities across 41 states, including Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Seattle and the entire state of Arkansas.
For more information about the Diabetes Education and Camping Association, please visit: https://www.diabetescamps.org
To learn if Smart911 is available in your area, or register for Smart911 and create your free Safety Profile, please visit: https://www.smart911.com
About the Diabetes Education and Camping Association (DECA)
Diabetes Camps help people affected by diabetes lead healthier, happier, and more productive lives through good diabetes management and wholesome fun. The Diabetes Education and Camping Association (DECA) unites the worldwide diabetes camping community through leadership, education, sharing of resources and networking thus enabling them to fulfill their purpose. For more information, visit https://www.diabetescamps.org/.
About Rave Mobile Safety
Rave Mobile Safety is the most trusted safety software partner, providing innovative communication software for better emergency preparedness and faster response. Used by leading education institutes, enterprises and state and local public safety agencies, the award-winning portfolio of Rave Alert, Rave Guardian, Eyewitness, Rave Panic Button, Smart911 and SmartPrepare protects millions of individuals. Rave Mobile Safety is headquartered in Framingham, MA. For more information, please visit http://www.ravemobilesafety.com.
Media Contacts:
For DECA:
Terry Ackley
Diabetes Education and Camping Association
[email protected]
(866) 980-DECA (3322)
For Rave Mobile Safety/Smart911:
JaeMi Pennington
LEWIS
[email protected]
(781) 418-2401
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SOURCE Smart911
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