How the Internet Can Save Your Life

It seems like all of today’s amenities are equipped with some sort of smart technology. From thermostats to vehicle dashboards, these advancements open doors for developers who can create brand new possibilities for old concepts. Of course, one of the industries with a clear potential benefit from these technologies is the medical field, and within this field lies a process that is begging to be revolutionized: medical refrigeration.

Whether it is a large walk-in freezer full of organs and medicine, or a small portable refrigerator needed to transport vaccinations, the medical field is reliant on refrigeration for a variety of life-altering purposes. It is this technology that enabled social aid workers to transport vaccinations overseas to countries where power is unreliable and temperatures reach extreme highs. It is this technology that makes it possible for a patient to receive a donated organ from somewhere else in the country without having to worry about it dying on the way. When you think about it, medical refrigeration is a revolutionary technology in itself that has saved many lives over its span of existence.

Despite the modern advancements that have been made in refrigeration technology, we run into issues with it. In fact, the Center for Disease Control estimates that thousands of vaccines are discarded because of refrigeration issues. This is where the internet comes into the picture. Imagine a smart refrigerator or walk-in freezer that possesses the ability to monitor itself and make changes to adapt to its environment. That is what certain companies are developing today, and they are projecting that the technology will not only save millions of lives but millions of dollars as well.

Each unit contains a built-in Wi-Fi log with data storage. This allows the unit to communicate with its operators, who can intervene if something goes wrong. However, the machines can actually take their own measures in the event of a power outage. They are equipped with batteries that provide backup power for blackout situations. In the event of a power outage, operators are immediately notified on their mobile devices, allowing them to take the proper measures to remedy the situation.

Special thanks to University of Liverpool Faculty of Health & Life Sciences for the image