If you need to take Embrace with you on your next trip, there are a few things to think about in advance.
Going through security with Embrace
The Embrace cover is made of anodized aluminum, which is classified as a metal. During security screening, please make sure that the Embrace is removed to avoid setting off the metal detector.
If the security asks you what Embrace is, you can simply describe it as a seizure monitor.
Airplane mode (Flight Mode)
On the plane, you will be instructed to put your phone in Airplane mode, which disables your phone's ability to connect to Bluetooth and cellular or WiFi networks.
Without the internet and Bluetooth, Embrace will not be able to communicate with your phone and the Alert App won’t send alerts to caregivers if a seizure occurs. If there is a chance you might have seizures during your flight, we strongly advise telling your travel companion about your epilepsy and how they can help you during the seizure event.
Since Embrace will be disconnected from your dedicated device, a red X will be flashing throughout the flight. To stop this from disturbing you and other passengers, you can turn off Light & Vibration on the Alert App.
Internet connection
Alerts are sent using the internet, so a reliable connection is absolutely necessary.
Almost every hotel offers free Wi-Fi but it is hard to tell beforehand if the internet connection will be reliable. Also, the more remote the destination, the less likely it will be to have a stable connection.
If you are traveling internationally, you should check with your phone carrier if your data plan will work abroad and at the same speed without acquiring too many fees in roaming charges. Some carriers offer free data outside the home country but at a very slow speed, so please remember to ask about this as well.
It might be worth opting for a special travel data plan to ensure a faster and more reliable internet connection. It might also save you some money depending on the length of your trip.
Caregivers in certain countries cannot be added
Unfortunately, the Embrace Alerting System is not available in all countries. If you are traveling to the below countries and plan on adding some local caregivers, the Alert App will restrict you from doing so.
Here is the list of the mentioned countries:
Afghanistan, Ascension Island, Belarus, Burma, Cambodia, Central African Republic, China, Cuba, Cyprus, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Mexico, North Korea, Russia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tristan da Cunha, Venezuela, Zimbabwe.
To avoid any issues, we recommend always having someone nearby, who will be able to assist you in case of a seizure.
This is everything that you need to consider before your trip. Of course, if you encounter any problems while you are abroad, you can always reach out to us for help at support@empatica.com.