Stuck Smart Rings and Considerations for Safe Emergency Ring Removal
Navigating safe stuck Smart Ring removal is a modern issue requiring timely medical intervention. Photo: Jaromír Kavan
In the rapidly evolving world of wearable technology, "Smart Rings," also known as "Compact Electronic Wearable Devices" or "Fitness Rings" are gaining popularity. These rings are designed to be worn daily, offering users various health insights through connectivity to an app.
Recent viral incidents, like Jason Derulo’s stuck Oura Ring on TikTok gaining nearly 40 million views, have sparked a crucial conversation for both Smart Ring wearers and medical professionals:
What happens when one of these Smart Rings, meant to enhance well-being, gets stuck on a finger?
This article explores the complexities of safely removing stuck Smart Rings.
Jason Derulo’s viral video showcasing his swollen finger and stuck Oura Ring sparks an important conversation around the unique challenges of emergency Smart Ring removal. Photo: Jason Derulo- Tiktok
What are Smart Rings?
Smart Rings are a compact wearable technology designed to offer a range of health data for the user. Worn daily on the user's finger, this innovative technology promises to bring health awareness and benefits to the wearer.
How do Smart Rings Work?
Smart Rings operate using sensors on the internal circumference of the ring to monitor and collect data related to the wearer's health. To collect the most reliable data, Smart Ring users are encouraged to choose a snug-fitting size. Finger swelling can occur for various reasons and any ring, including Smart Rings, can become stuck on a finger.
How do Medical and Fire Professionals Remove Stuck Smart Rings?
Medical and Fire Rescue Professionals frequently deal with stuck rings, often after at-home attempts to remove the ring have failed and the finger swelling is worsening.
Professional training and experience has traditionally focused on solid-metal rings, as Smart Rings are a relatively new and emerging technology. Ring cutting is a common strategy for removing stuck rings, but Smart Rings and other battery-containing devices may malfunction in unpredictable ways if punctured or cut.
Contacting the Smart Ring manufacturer for clear guidance on how to safely remove these devices is advised.
Unfortunately, manufacturer-recommended cutting procedures might not be available or easily accessible, adding complexity to an already urgent situation.
The Latest Emergency Ring Removal Options for Stuck Smart Rings – November 2023
While medical literature provides strategies for dealing with stuck rings made of traditional ring metals, information on the emerging issue of handling entrapped Smart Rings has been lacking.
Manufacturers of these rings typically advise wearers to seek medical attention in the event of the ring becoming stuck, with little further guidance. This information gap leaves professionals in the dark, especially if cutting a Smart Ring is required to free a finger during finger-threatening ring entrapments.
Although no product-specific information related to the potential effects of cutting or puncturing Smart Ring batteries was readily available at the time this article was published, general information on the risks of cutting lithium-ion batteries can be found here.
The Safe Solution to Emergency Smart Ring Removal
Recognizing there could be risks associated with puncturing a Smart Ring battery, and in the absence of clear manufacturer guidance, the safest option for removing stuck Smart Rings is through a non-destructive approach.
The Compression Device is the only medical device designed for stuck ring removal without cutting. Explore more from Ring Rescue.
Ditch the Risk, Opt for the Compression Device
Non-destructive ring removal with the Compression Device and Ring Lubricant is the safest option for the removal of stuck Smart Rings.
The Ring Rescue Compression Device gives professionals the best chance of removing a ring intact, without cutting. Included in the Ring Rescue Kit, the Compression Device is the only registered medical device designed for non-destructive stuck ring removal.
A Safe and Non-Destructive Ring Removal Method
The Compression Device reduces finger swelling temporarily, often allowing the professional to use manipulation techniques to remove without cutting. Ring Lubricant is specially-formulated to reduce friction to help manipulate the ring off. Together these tools provide the best chance of removing a stuck Smart Ring safely for patients.
Why are the Compression Device and Ring Lubricant the best option available for removing stuck Smart Rings?
Reducing finger size gives you the best chance of non-destructive ring removal
Potential risks associated with puncturing a Smart Ring battery are eliminated
Professionals have a purpose-built medical device to provide the highest standard of patient care
For more information on our industry-leading solutions for stuck ring removal, explore the complete Ring Rescue Kit
WARNING: Smart Rings and other battery-containing Compact Wearable Electronic Devices may malfunction in unpredictable and potentially dangerous ways if punctured or cut. Always ensure appropriate personal protective equipment is utilized and exercise extreme caution when the handling of damaged or punctured Smart Rings is unavoidable. Consult directly with the manufacturer of such Smart Ring devices for product-specific guidance on how to handle and remove safely in cases of entrapment. Ring Rescue Inc. is attempting to obtain necessary information from the manufacturers to provide further guidance. Until such time as we issue an update to this Warning, we recommend against cutting or puncturing any devices containing electronics or batteries.
