In an effort to prioritize safety, a hospital in Norway is implementing a unique solution: equipping all newborn babies with anti-theft alarms. The goal is to protect against kidnappings and prevent identity mix-ups.
According to Erik Normann, the head of Akershus University Hospital near Oslo, the decision is prompted by past incidents of infant kidnappings in the country. The hospital aims to prevent such occurrences from happening in the future.
The alarm system involves two small chips. One is fastened to a bracelet around the baby’s ankle immediately after birth, while the other is attached to the mother’s bracelet. If the two chips are separated by a certain distance, the alarm is activated. This innovative approach ensures that unauthorized individuals cannot take a baby or remove the bracelet without consequence.
Interestingly, a maternity unit in Shropshire has already implemented a similar electronic tagging system for newborns, allowing constant monitoring. This technology has gained popularity and serves as a potential inspiration for North American hospitals.
By taking proactive measures to protect newborns, hospitals demonstrate their commitment to safety and peace of mind for both parents and staff.
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