Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) said this week that its Airport Police Department will now use the Vitals App, smartphone software that allows a person or caregiver to voluntarily provide real-time critical information about medical conditions, visible and invisible intellectual/developmental conditions, or disabilities, and mental health challenges.
MSP is the now the first airport in the country to utilize the cutting-edge technology that helps create safe, confident interactions between law enforcement and passengers. The customized account profiles often include de-escalation cues and techniques, behavior triggers, current medications, and other critical information for first responders.
The app, which uses a Bluetooth feature that pings authorities when in proximity to the individual, is part of the airport’s Travel Confidently MSP, an effort to provide travelers a safer experience on their journeys.
“The Vitals App will help ensure that our officers are well-equipped to appropriately respond to health emergencies and keep passengers safe while traveling,” said Brian Ryks, executive director and CEO of the Metropolitan Airports Commission, operator of MSP. “This technology is one more tool in our ever-expanding accessibility toolkit to ensure that our passengers are able to travel with confidence.”
The Vitals App communicates clearly for passengers when they are unable to give more information regarding their mental and physical health. The technology supports officers in initiating less stressful interactions with vulnerable passengers in the airport.
“The Vitals App will help create a sense of trust, ease and safety for all individuals while traveling, and help us appropriately respond to travelers’ needs in a caring and effective manner,” said Matt Christenson, MSP Airport police chief.
