New life-saving syringe ‘watch’ features built-in foldable allergy shot

To help people escape from near-death experiences caused by adverse allergic reactions to various things in time, scientists have created a new wearable watch that features an in-built syringe folded in it.

Students from Rice University have created a new 3D device ‘watch’ to help allergy sufferers that features an in-built syringe that can be unfolded to administer an epinephrine allergy shot in case of an emergency.

The device called EpiWear is capable of delivering 0.3 milliliters of epinephrine per shot, which is the same as commercially available devices. The device is able to be folded in three parts, which can then be fitted into a watch on the wrist, reported Ubergizmo.

In case of emergencies, the person would simply have to unfold the device, flick a safety lever and push a button as soon as they are ready to inject the medicine into their bodies, explained Engadget. Since the device is folded into three-pieces, it is almost impossible to trigger the needle by accident. The team also plans for a case that would prevent the button from touching anything until the shot is necessary.

For now, the device is just a prototype and hence is a bit big, but the team claims that is because of the 3D-printing process. In future, the team hopes to make EpiWear commercial where it will be less expensive and more stylish, something that will encourage people to wear it.

“If it’s something that’s going to save your life, we think that would be enough to persuade people to maintain it on their bodies,” said team member Alex Li. “At the end of the day, it’s better to have it on you.”