This app can detect when someone has overdosed on opioids

Jan 16, 2019

A pharmacist holds prescription painkiller OxyContin made by Purdue Pharma LP at a local pharmacy in Provo, Utah, U.S., April 25, 2017. REUTERS/George Frey - RC1EF1CB27C0

A pharmacist holds an opioid prescription painkiller. Image: REUTERS/George Frey

Sarah McQuate

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Second Chance monitors a person’s breathing rate to detect an opioid overdose or its precursors. Image: Mark Stone/U. Washington

The app uses sonar to monitor someone’s breathing rate. Image: Mark Stone/U. Washington

When the app detects decreased or absent breathing, it will send an alarm asking the person to interact with it before it contacts a trusted friend or emergency services. Image: Mark Stone/U. Washington

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