MA Student Invents Safety Helmet That Calls 911, Tells Site Of Injured Wearer

Amherst, MA (AHN) - An engineering student of the University of Massachusetts Amherst has invented a safety helmet that calls 9-1-1 when the wearer is rendered unconscious in an accident and tells rescuers the casualty's location.

Inventor Brycen Spencer calls the helmet Wireless Impact Guardian or WIG. The helmet is activated upon wearing it, detects a hit in the head and beeps for a minute or so when this happen.

If the beep is not turned off because the wearer is unconscious or disabled, a built-in communication device automatically calls 911.

The location of the accident victim, which is identified by the WIG's built-in GPS device, is included in the emergency call to guide rescuers especially when the casualty is alone in a remote area.

The WIG will benefit motorcyclists, bicyclists, all-terrain vehicle enthusiasts and others. Besides protecting the head in case of accident, the helmet will hasten rescue and treatment of a wearer who is injured.