A screaming invention
Nov. 12, 2008 – If the never-ending wails of emergency vehicles make your nights anything but a slumbering bliss, then the latest emergency siren invention, the Screamiren, may sound like a nightmare.
As it turns out, Trevor Werstiuk’s invention could be just the answer to your sleep deprivation woes.
The Screamiren is an audible warning system for emergency vehicles that is far less jarring – especially to night-time sleepers – than the conventional sirens and is equally effective in getting the attention of motorists.
This nocturnal blessing might never have been had Trevor not shared his idea with the Prototype Development Program at NAIT.
“I was referred to the Prototype Development Program by TEC Edmonton. When I made my initial inquiry of them about having a prototype built, they suggested NAIT as my best option… and I must say now that without the Prototype Development Program my prototype would be non-existent.”
David Burry, head of the Prototype Development Program, says “It is always a pleasure to work with an inventor who has a passion for their idea and wants to help make the world a better place”.
Trevor, who is a trained emergency medical responder/dispatcher, says his inventor’s mind came alive when he was alerted to the distress caused by emergency vehicles at night. “I read a news story that raised questions about the use of sirens by emergency vehicles in residential areas during the evening hours. It inspired me to begin designing a residential tone that I called the ‘echo.’ I went on to create standard ‘wail and yelp’ tones.”
The development of Screamiren is well advanced. Trevor hopes to begin consultation soon on its manufacture and marketing.
In the meantime, he describes his experience with NAIT as being productive and informative. “With a few more ideas on the backburner, I hope this business relationship is just beginning,” he says.
The Screamiren is one of several inventions that are being incubated at NAIT through the Prototype Development Program and the Duncan McNeill Centre for Innovation. Since opening in April 2006, the Prototype Development Program has helped more than 75 inventors like Trevor.
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