Detecting and responding to sentinel events

摘要

The present invention is directed to systems, devices, and methods of monitoring at-risk individuals for the occurrence of sentinel events in a custodial care setting. In particular, the present invention is directed to monitoring for events such as suicide, and allowing monitoring personnel to actively respond to the event and prevent its success from occurring.

主权项

1. A method of detecting an at-risk individual's attempt to commit suicide by means of reducing or completely obstructing the flow of blood to his or her brain and preventing said attempt to commit suicide from resulting in brain death or brain damage, wherein the at-risk individual maintained in a custodial care setting by at least one monitoring personnel, comprising the steps of:
securing a monitoring device above the neckline of said at-risk individual, said monitoring device adapted with a sensor adapted to collect data on at least one physiological characteristic of blood flow above the neckline of said at-risk individual, wherein the data collected by the sensor on said at least one physiological characteristic of blood flow above the neckline reflects the blood supply to the brain of said at-risk individual; for each physiological characteristic, establishing a first criterion for initiating an alert, wherein said first criterion for initiating an alert indicates that blood flow above the neckline of said at-risk individual is completely blocked or is reduced to a level that may result in brain damage or brain death; monitoring said at least one physiological characteristic of said at-risk individual; analyzing the sensor data collected by said monitoring device on each at least one physiological characteristic to determine if said first criterion for initiating an alert has been met for said at least one physiological characteristic and, if so, initiating an alert to said at least one monitoring personnel that said first criterion has been met for said at least one physiological characteristic.