Here are some of our most frequently asked questions. If you have a question that isn't answered here, feel free to contact us directly, using the email link at the bottom of the page or the information found on our Contact Us page.
What areas does DownTag cover? Will there be any areas that are weaker or have no signal?
As a caveat to this answer, note that the basic premise of DownTag (providing vital information to rescuers and medical personnel) does NOT rely on any sort of tracking capabilities. The actual DownTag that is worn around your neck is what provides authorized persons to access your DownTag file.
Once we launch our GPS tracking capabilities, the coverage will be the same as the GPS unit in your car or on your motorcycle. To be kept updated on the progress of our GPS tracking abilities, please join our mailing list.
Who will have access to my information in case of an emergency?
One of the most frequent questions we've been asked; the straightforward answer is "only those you designate". What exactly does this mean though?
In the simplest terms, only whom you have given us permission to release information to are able to access your information. Moreover, they are only permitted to do so when it is actually needed - something we actually take the steps to verify, to prevent releasing information to an approved person with malicious intent.
For example, if you only want us to release your information to hospital staff in the event that you are admitted to an Emergency Room ("ER"/"ED") then only approved hospital representatives would be able to access your file and only after we've verified that you have been admitted into that ER or hospital as a patient.
Even if your spouse attempts to access your information, he/she will only be able to request the release of your file to authorized rescue or medical personnel, and only after we've verified the genuine need for its release (ex. you have been admitted into a hospital).
***Note that the only way to allow anyone unchecked access to your file would be to provide them with your DownTag login information. Even if an authorized person attempts to access your information through our Emergency Operations Center, they will be subjected to a battery of security measures to prevent unjustifiable access!
What if I don't ride a motorcycle?
Although DownTag was created by a motorcyclist, for motorcyclists, riding a motorcycle is NOT a prerequisite for benefitting from DownTag's services.
People from every walk of life have shown interest in signing up for DownTag - backpackers, mountain climbers, camping enthusiasts, personal aircraft pilots, joggers, S.C.U.B.A. divers, rock climbers, sailing enthusiasts, etc. Even people who don't embark on extreme adventures or enjoy high-risk activities are waiting in line for a DownTag membership.
Whether you're living life on the edge or not, DownTag will be there when you need us!
Won't my Drivers License give emergency responders everything they need?
Traditional forms of identification (drivers license, passport, etc.) work well at one thing - identifying you. Although this is something that is definitely needed in an emergency situation, there is much more that is needed - your medical history and emergency contact information, to start.
Access to your medical and personal information is often critical to effective and life-saving treatment by the EMS personnel and hospital staff that you will encounter after a traumatic or medial emergency; DownTag's service is designed to provide emergency personnel with life-saving information quickly and reliably, in a large variety of situations.
In addition to working with those responsible for saving your life, DownTag also ensures that your family and friends (whomever you designate as your emergency contact[s]) is notified immediately, preventing any delay in their being able to be by your side when you need them most!
When should I wear my DownTag? Touring, local rides, both?
It is our hope that you will wear your DownTag at all times, whether you are riding your motorcycle down the street, across the country, or are sitting at your local coffee shop reading a book - there isn't a single moment of every day that DownTag won't be a valid step in keeping yourself safe!
Who better to ask this question than the man who's been wearing a DownTag the longest? Here's what our founder has to say on the subject - "Since our first prototype was created, I have only been without my DownTag on three occasions that I can count; these days sticking out like a sore thumb as I had grown so accustomed to having it around my neck that I actually felt 'naked' on those days. There have been a couple other times that I've been close to being without my tag but have actually gone back home just to grab my DownTag and put it back on. Just as a member of our military forgets about the dog tags around their neck, the DownTag was created to be, and it is my sincerest hope that it is, worn and forgotten about; thus making it a part of you, just like your wallet or your keys."
How will my information be kept secure?
Literally from day one, our founder has been strategizing on the most effective ways to ensure the security of your information; doing so always being a primary concern of ours. Although we'd love to detail out ever step taken to ensure that DownTag is locked down tighter than Fort Knox, doing so would actually lessen how secure your information is. Here is what we can tell you...
First and foremost, as DownTag will be complying with all HIPAA regulations, we will under no circumstance release or disclose any of our clients' information to anyone except certified medical personnel in time of verified genuine medical need.
The DownTag database will be stored on a HIPAA compliant and double redundant server, to not only prevent unauthorized access but mitigate any potential of downtime. To put it in perspective, accessing your online banking site would be easier for someone than accessing your DownTag file!
The physical servers will be housed in a HIPAA compliant, secure, and undisclosed hosting location, separate from DownTag offices and emergency operations center. This prevents even in-house physical hacking attempts.
The DownTag offices and dispatch center, being the only location with direct access to the DownTag databases also will remain undisclosed and will be protected by the highest levels of security possible, including on-site security guards.
To prevent internal security breaches, DownTag employees are all subjected to a high level of security clearance procedures, including both local, state, and federal background checks, personal credit check, as well as employment background checks - all of which must be returned with satisfactory results prior to an offer of employment. Additionally, all DownTag employees HIPAA certified and must maintain a valid HIPAA compliance certificate to remain employed. Lastly, all employees are provided limited and monitored access of DownTag facilities - ensuring that only those with a need and prior authorization to access sensitive areas are allowed to do so.
I have been a victim of identity theft; what's my guarantee that my information is safe?
Another great question! Again, not only is your safety a paramount concern of ours (the whole reason for our being here) but just as important is the security of your personal information. See the answer to "How will my information be kept secure?", shown above.
As a final note on the subject, consider the fact that although some companies take shortcuts on client information security, this is actually counter-productive. One since hole in our security, whether on day one or ten years down the line, will spell complete disaster for us as a company - not only for the sake of it's just the right thing to do but for our own survival as a company (to enable us to do what we are doing), we must keep your information completely untouchable by anyone who shouldn't have access to it!
