The John K tracking device, for the needy escrow user

Make it standard-issue for treasurers/escrows, and require "I'm ok" bursts.
Or it could be escrow duos. Two escrows working together, both with access to the privkeys, so that if one dies of sudden plane crash, money is not lost.

Duos? How about 2 of 3s? Have each of the parties to the transaction be one of the three key holders.