Slashdot Mirror


Ask Slashdot: Panic Button a Very Young Child Can Use

First time accepted submitter Zotonian writes My wife is epileptic. Her seizures have been well controlled by medication until recently. My concern is that we have a toddler and infant at home. I've set up cameras so I can monitor the house, but I'm looking for a solution that my 2 year old daughter can hit a button to tell me to look at them if necessary. Most of the options I'm finding off the shelf notify first responders and I'm concerned of the number of false positives a toddler might initiate. Other solutions like cellphones or wearables for kids are too overloaded with unnecessary options like GPS, phone, games, etc. I'd rather have a simple 'push button' solution I can wire into my router that would send me a text or chat message that alerts me to check the cameras. Then if there is an actually emergency I can take the steps from there. I'm looking for cheap and simple. Any suggestions from the Slashdot community?

2 of 327 comments (clear)

  1. Call Social Services! by s.petry · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    Obviously _YOU_ did not read TFA. TFA is only the summary, so let me quote and highlight the relevant portions for you.

    My wife is epileptic. Her seizures have been well controlled by medication until recently . My concern is that we have a toddler and infant at home. I've set up cameras so I can monitor the house, but I'm looking for a solution that my 2 year old daughter can hit a button to tell me to look at them if necessary.

    Good grief man, if your wife is having episodes get another ADULT into the house! It is completely irresponsible for you to put that weight on a TWO YEAR OLD! Cameras or no cameras, your response time is not sufficient. Assuming your two year old hits the button who is going to comfort the two year old and get her out of harms way if your wife has a violent seizure? How are you going to deal with the trauma and guilt that kid is going to feel if something bad happens? Even if they hit the button that trauma will be there!

    Don't worry, I'm absolutely disgusted that you would put your wife in that predicament as well. This is absolutely horrifying no matter how I try to consider your supposed dilemma. I say "supposed" because I really hope this is a gag, but it sure seems like you are serious and it's not April 1st yet.

    --

    -The wise argue that there are few absolutes, the fool argues that there are no probabilities.

  2. I also think you have your head up your butt by business_kid · · Score: 1, Flamebait

    I have epilepsy. Sorry to be hard, but if you apply the "Worst case analysis" that engineers use, all your wearables / toddlers / gimmicks are trash. Is your toddler going to pull your patient wife off the cooker that's setting her on fire? Stop her bleeding? Decide when to ring for medical help?
    Most epileptics know when they have issues coming. If your wife does, have an effective strategy to deal with that. If not, rethink your career. Can you take less money and work from home? Cut some deal with your boss? Take less money and work nearer home?
    There is also a little known perscription drug called Epistatus. It never seems to get approval, but is available on perscription. It is absorbed through the cheek, and can be administered while unconscious. There's a youtube video.

    I hear a lot of YOUR opinions, but nothing of your wife's opinions. What does she want you to do?