POC's New Helmet Stores Your Medical Data - Eurobike 2019
POC have teamed up with twICEme, a Swedish start-up, to create a helmet that stores your medical data and can transmit it to first responders in case of a crash.
The whole system works through an app that POC have developed to go alongside the helmet. You upload your data to the app including information such as your blood type, allergies, existing conditions and your organ donor status and then transfer this data into a chip in the helmet. First responders will then be able to scan the helmet using their own app and receive all the data to their phone.
The chip uses NFC (Near Field Communication) to communicate the information. NFC is a method of transferring data that does not require GSM, 3G/4G/5G or wi-fi so can be used wherever you are. It also only stores the data locally so it can't transmit your data to any third party. NFC transmission also means you won't need the specific app to read the data, apparently any app that uses NFC, including Apple Pay, will be able to display a text file of the data.
TwICEme was announced as a partner for the ICAR (International Commission for Alpine Rescue) so it should be something that mountain rescue teams are aware of and able to make use of as well.
The chip uses NFC (Near Field Communication) to communicate the information. NFC is a method of transferring data that does not require GSM, 3G/4G/5G or wi-fi so can be used wherever you are. It also only stores the data locally so it can't transmit your data to any third party. NFC transmission also means you won't need the specific app to read the data, apparently any app that uses NFC, including Apple Pay, will be able to display a text file of the data.
TwICEme was announced as a partner for the ICAR (International Commission for Alpine Rescue) so it should be something that mountain rescue teams are aware of and able to make use of as well.
The chip is currently only available on the Tectal Race Spin helmet and will add around $10-15 to the price of it. POC currently have the exclusive rights on it as they worked with twICEme to develop the technology but they can imagine it spreading to other helmet brands in the future as MIPS did after they first used that in their helmets.
This logo should let First Responders or other riders know your helmet has the chip installed so they can help.
Solar Powered Sunglasses
POC also had a pair of sunglasses that feature an electrochromic LCD lens that instantly and automatically changes tint depending on the intensity of ambient light - darker in bright light and lighter in darker conditions. The change is instant, automatic, and best of all, powered by solar panels above the lenses so you never have to charge or change batteries.
Wax on
Wax off
At the moment, the glasses won't be great use to mountain bikers as a helmet peak will interfere with the sensors and we imagine the glasses will be distracting in changing light under a forest canopy. However, if you're planning a more long-distance ride with long periods in the sun and shade, these could be for you.
POC Axion Spin
Finally, POC has introduced a more affordable trail lid to its offerings, the Axion Spin. POC were keen to include as much of the tech from their high-end helmets in this so you still get the Air rotational impact system and the unibody shell. It also includes some tech that's not on the Tectral or the Coron, a breakaway visor. POC have developed their own system here that allows for easy ejection in a crash to reduce load points and allow you to ride home without a broken peak, expect this system to make its way onto POCs more premium helmets when they get updated.
The helmet weighs 305 grams for a medium, which is actually a reduction on the Tectral. When we say more affordable, don't forget this is POC, who specialise in high-end products; this helmet is cheaper than the rest of their range but will still cost €160.
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- live ECG
- hourly drawn blood gases (extra upgrade necessary for lactate)
- auto information of insurance less than half a minute after impact
- subcutane ketamine dose integrated inside helmet for a quick pain relief seconds after crashing
I am also amused that the sticker is on the back of the lid. Most patients who need a rescue (spinal injury) are found on their back by the time help arrives.
Those glasses though! I was just thinking about something to that effect earlier this summer! Had to walk from blinding sunlight into a dark staircase, and had sunglasses on and was carrying stuff. I bemoaned having to set down my load, take off my sunglasses, then restart and resume. I audibly wished for sunglasses that changed to match the conditions... and my friends promptly laughed at me and said "they already make those, they're called transition lenses". I couldn't convey my frustration and vision to their understanding... I had worn glasses for over a decade, and transition lenses for a good deal of that time... I knew perfectly well about that stuff... my problem that day was instantly going back and forth between the extremes hands-free and needing to see the stairs... transition lenses take time to transition... @poc this is awesome! Get these available inexpensively and its a winner! Or maybe I just thought it was cool. Either way.