Alzheimer's patients, caregivers receiving VeriMed RFID chips

Caring for those with Alzheimer's could be getting a whole lot less stressful, as VeriChip has reportedly doled out 25 VeriMed RFID implantable microchips at the Alzheimer's Community Care 2007 Alzheimer's Educational Conference. Of course, these aren't the first invasive chips that the company has crammed under folks' skin for one reason or another, but these data packin' devices are aiming to provide medical personnel "quick access to identification and medical records information in an emergency situation." Interestingly, not much else was said about future rollouts beyond this small sample trial, but we can't imagine these not showing up en masse (and in humans) once it gets the green light from regulators.

[Peter Carey @ Jun 11th 2007 9:31PM]

This already has FCC approval and VeriChip makes some really cool stuff. This year for our 7th grade district writing essay we had to write whether we would allow a VeriChip to be put inside of us. These were the versions that include GPS tracking and can hold credit card numbers for contactless purchasing. The creator of this writing prompt was Mr. Bartosiewicz who won the National US Teacher of the Year Award last year.

[Jon Clement @ Jun 11th 2007 9:38PM]

I dislike the whole concept of implanting any sort of tracking device into a human. I understand that in some situations, it would be wholly acceptable to do so (such as in the context above), but this seems to be an issue discussed in the book of Revelations. I would never willfully consent to being constantly tracked by any government or organization. I have a strong negative view on this issue, whatever the benefits may be.

[Bloobie @ Jun 11th 2007 10:05PM]

Oh here we go again with the Biblical references. Get over that already, please. The same crap was said when Social Security cards came out, then credit cards, and now RFID.

[Elliott @ Jun 11th 2007 10:33PM]

RFID is almost useless for tracking. unless you have RFID readers every 10 feet there would be less chance of being tracked by this than your credit card transactions. also RFID is very short range you have to get with in 5 in for most chips.

[Zoundguy @ Jun 11th 2007 11:11PM]

Gosh... again with the Biblical references. IF you insist on making such a reference... please, please, please get the name of the book right. It is Revelation. no "S."

P.S. I am Christian who does believe said "Biblical Reference" but at the same time, im not silly enough to run and hide when new and more convenient technology comes out. I will "Run and hide" when they start requiring it to buy bread, until then, SCORE RFID.

[Jon Clement @ Jun 12th 2007 12:05AM]

Pardon me, Zoundguy. You are correct, the book's name is "Revelation."

@ Bloobie

I compare this to people who thought the American Civil War WWI, WWII, the Cold War, and other wars in history were the end of the world. Unfortunately something will mark the end of our world one day. Just like one day some technology will replace paper and plastic (i.e. credit cards; countries who have gone to hard plastic instead of paper bills). Of course RFID tags are weak now, and it is the concept that displeases me. Look around you, see what is going on: electronics are becoming smaller.. and smaller.. and smaller.

@ Elliott

again, the concept. "Any sort of tracking device."

When electronics replace paper, I won't take an implant.

[pillowcase @ Jun 12th 2007 12:29AM]

The reasons why these chips are dangerous to the freedom of citizens are real. There are many bright people who work to alert the public of the situation and if there wasn't a real threat, they wouldn't waste their time...

http://video.google.com.au/videoplay?docid=-1656880303867390173&q=freedom+to+fascism

[Thomas Lareau @ Jun 12th 2007 5:23AM]

The RFID chip only contains a number that allows those with access to the database to retrieve medical and identifying information. This is an absolute necessity for someone in need of medical attention and not able to give verbal history.

[Domenick @ Jun 12th 2007 9:53AM]

Why do the caregivers need an implant? Are they afraid of getting who they are as well. I absolutely don't want a chip in me. I think it's weird that some people think it's ok. And no, I'm not a religious nutter. I'm just not any body's property.

[Domenick @ Jun 12th 2007 9:55AM]

err. *forgetting...

[Jaire J Donald @ Jun 12th 2007 3:07PM]

RFID sux and yea yu actually can track someone from a far witha an active RFID system like the verichip, yea im so not for any implants in me especially without consent i see major civil rights being broken.