‘Safe bathroom’ technology developed by a Massachusetts electrician has been proven to prevent fatal drug overdoses in public restrooms across the country.
The systems use ultrasonic and infrared motion sensors connected to timers that detect slight body movements. When a system doesn’t sense motion within a set time period, it raises an alarm alerting emergency medical teams, according to a Boston Globe report.
To date, the systems have been installed primarily in medical settings and homeless shelters but could be added to any public restroom. The state of Rhode Island has ordered the systems for deployment at “hot spots” for overdoses.
The technology has averted more than 3,500 potentially deadly overdoses, according to the developer. Not a single person has died from an overdose after alarms have been triggered, he says.
Related Stories
Industry Research | Feb 22, 2016
8 of the most interesting trends from Gensler’s Design Forecast 2016
Technology is running wild in Gensler’s 2016 forecast, as things like virtual reality, "smart" buildings and products, and fully connected online and offline worlds are making their presence felt throughout many of the future's top trends.
Market Data | Feb 10, 2016
Nonresidential building starts and spending should see solid gains in 2016: Gilbane report
But finding skilled workers continues to be a problem and could inflate a project's costs.
Market Data | Feb 9, 2016
Cushman & Wakefield is bullish on U.S. economy and its property markets
Sees positive signs for construction and investment growth in warehouses, offices, and retail
Market Data | Jan 20, 2016
Nonresidential building starts sag in 2015
CDM Research finds only a few positive signs among the leading sectors.
| Jan 14, 2016
How to succeed with EIFS: exterior insulation and finish systems
This AIA CES Discovery course discusses the six elements of an EIFS wall assembly; common EIFS failures and how to prevent them; and EIFS and sustainability.
Retail Centers | Dec 13, 2015
Aged chimney in Baku sees new life as shopping center totem
For the Twin Towers of Port Baku, the restoration requires an elaborate anchoring and stabilization process.
Retail Centers | Nov 18, 2015
Foster + Partners unveils design for Apple Store on Chicago River
The 20,000-sf store draws inspiration from the Prairie School architectural style.
Shopping Centers | Nov 12, 2015
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones breaks ground on $1 billion mixed-use development
The plan calls for retail space, including a Walmart, along with offices, apartments, and homes.
Retail Centers | Oct 12, 2015
Rotterdam’s ‘ugliest building’ turned into sleek McDonald’s branch
Since the 1960s, residents of the Dutch city of Rotterdam have been bugged by an unsightly cigar shop on Coolsingel, one of its busiest streets. It received a much needed facelift earlier this year, designed by Mei Architects.
Multifamily Housing | Oct 7, 2015
BIG designs lush, terraced mixed-use building in Sweden
Cascading glass and wooden cubes create a form similar to Northern Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway rock formation.
