Harford County Detention Center offers medically monitored wristbands to detect emergencies

Lieutenant Christopher Charles Rosette of the Harford County Sheriff's Office said the detention center offers a medically monitored wristband to people on intake so staff can respond in real time to medical emergencies. "This program allows us as officers to respond in real time to any medical emergencies that an inmate may have," Rosette said.

Jackie Leto, HSA at the detention center, demonstrated the device and said it maintains close contact with the skin and streams sensor data to a web portal accessible by deputies and medical staff. She said staff can monitor pulse rate, skin temperature and blood-oxygen levels and run historical reports when needed.

Leto explained that the device is applied and removed with a key, and that the system issues real-time alerts when a wearer's vital signs fall outside set parameters so staff can intervene early. "Earlier interventions lead to better patient outcomes," she said.

Rosette said the jail has had nearly 200 participants in the program and that staff have responded to three critical alert incidents. He said the agency is the only one in the state using the program and hopes other agencies will model it; the segment did not provide specific vendor or procurement documents for review.

The Sheriff's Office described the program as a safety and health measure for detainees and staff; participation is offered at intake rather than being mandatory, according to the segment.