Smartphone App Detects Opioid Overdose

Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a smartphone app that can detect if someone is experiencing an opioid overdose. The app uses sonar to monitor the breathing rate of a user, which it can do from up to three feet away, to assess if someone is experiencing an overdose. So far, the technology has accurately predicted overdoses 90% of the time, and if it detects an overdose it can automatically connect the user to emergency services.
It has been estimated that 115 opioid users die daily from the opioid overdose in the U.S., which starkly illustrates the current opioid crisis. A drug user experiencing an overdose will breathe slowly, or stop breathing altogether. Emergency services can administer a drug called naloxone  (Narcan), which can stop the symptoms of overdose and save someone’s life if administered in time. However, a drug user experiencing an overdose may not be capable of calling someone and getting help. In an effort to reduce the death toll associated with opioid overdose, researchers have developed a smartphone app called Second Chance.