Booth Id:
ENBM007T
Category:
Biomedical Engineering
Year:
2024
Finalist Names:
Thomas, Oluwatimileyin (School: McIntosh High School)
Hacker, Colin (School: McIntosh High School)
Levine, Asher (School: McIntosh High School)
Abstract:
In the US, over 65,000 heat-related deaths occur annually. Athletes/workers exposed to hot temperatures face the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. There are watches/straps that monitor heart rate and some body temperature monitors on the market, but none that allow real-time monitoring simultaneously to prevent heat-related illness. Additionally, there are subjective symptoms that are associated with the onset of heat exhaustion that current devices on the market cannot monitor. Real-time monitoring of vital signs and symptoms can help individuals detect signs of heat exhaustion and seek care early. "Beat the Heat" takes on a novel approach by providing a monitor that can be worn when performing activities in the heat and combines quantitative and qualitative real-time data to detect the onset of heat exhaustion symptoms. This allows for timely intervention that can be life saving. The design includes a wearable chest strap with sensors to collect an individual's body temperature and heart rate data that is connected to a monitoring software running on a mini-computer. Our design plans also include leveraging AI models to interpret qualitative data on a user's reported symptoms. Our testing has shown that our device can accurately capture data when a person is exerting themselves at high temperatures which allows detection if vital signs are rising to a concerning level. Trainers/Users of the product can monitor the health status of individuals while engaged in sports or activities in hot temperatures to detect and prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Awards Won: