The Information Gap™
What is the information gap in an emergency?
Short answer
The information gap in an emergency is the critical period between the moment a person cannot communicate and the moment the first person on scene has enough information to help. During that time, the person trying to help often has little or no information: no identity, no emergency contacts and no Message to EMS.
Why the gap happens
Emergencies rarely give a person the chance to explain themselves. An injury, a sudden illness, shock, a language barrier or a condition such as dementia or autism can leave someone unable to answer the simplest questions: What is your name? Who should we call? Is there anything we need to know?
The usual sources of answers often fail at that moment. Phones are locked. Wallets and IDs are left at home. Medical bracelets hold only a few words. Paper notes are rarely with the person when they are needed.
Who it affects
- Riders on motorcycles, bicycles, electric bikes and scooters
- Older adults who live or walk alone
- Children and teenagers away from their parents
- People with autism, dementia or other conditions that affect communication
- Workers on job sites and people who travel for work
- Anyone who is alone when something happens
What closes the gap
The gap closes when the first person on scene can reach information the person chose in advance, without needing that person to speak. To do that, the information has to be:
- Prepared ahead of time, by the person or their family.
- Carried with the person, not left at home.
- Reachable within seconds by anyone, with no app, password or login.
How Scan If Hurt™ helps
Scan If Hurt™ is the Personal Emergency Profile designed for the first person on scene when someone cannot speak for themselves. A scannable Safety ID on a helmet, phone, bag or gear connects to the profile.
With one scan from a phone camera, the helper can identify the person, see the information they have chosen to share, contact the right people and share the location where help is needed.
For the full story behind the problem, visit theinformationgap.com.
Scan If Hurt™ helps bridge The Information Gap™. It does not replace 911, EMS or medical care. In any emergency, call 911 first.
Common questions
What is The Information Gap™?
The Information Gap™ is the critical period between the moment a person cannot communicate and the moment the first person on scene has enough information to help.
Why can't helpers just check a phone or wallet?
Phones are usually locked, and wallets and IDs are often left behind on a ride, a walk or a run. Even when an ID is found, it rarely shows who to call or anything a helper needs to know.
How can I close the information gap for myself or my family?
Decide what you want a helper to know, keep it with you, and make it reachable within seconds without a password or app. A Safety ID connected to a Personal Emergency Profile does all three.
Close The Information Gap™ before it opens
Set up your Personal Emergency Profile and Safety ID in minutes, so the first person on scene can help when you cannot speak for yourself.
