How Medical Alert Systems Work
What a Personal Response System Includes and Does
© Muxin Li
Nov 16, 2009
An emergency medical alert system, or personal response system, is a service that allows people to send for medical help when they need it. Instead of having to reach for a phone, call for help, and give the address and details of your emergency, a medical alert system can send for aid quickly with just the touch of a button.
Medical Alert Devices
A medical alert device is essentially the equipment to the medical alert system. This usually includes a small emergency pendant that can be worn by the user at all times, and a console connected to the user’s telephone. In an emergency, the help button is pushed and sends a signal to the console, which then contacts the emergency response center. The response team will ask questions or send help if they don’t hear a reply.
The emergency pendant is usually lightweight and can be worn as a necklace, a bracelet, or as a belt buckle so that it is kept on the person at all times. Most medical alert services offer waterproof pendants so that they can be worn even during a shower or while swimming. The pendants are battery powered, so it is important to change batteries periodically. Some pendants have indicators that show when batteries are low.
The other medical alert device is the console, which is connected to the phone and will automatically dial the emergency response team once the pendant is pressed. Most medical alert systems can dial even when the phone is off the hook or in use. Consoles have enhanced built-in speakers and voice equipment so that users can communicate with the response team from a distance.
Many medical alert systems provide consoles with a back-up battery in case of power failures, and these can sometimes last up to 36 hours. Consoles can detect signals from the user’s medical alert pendant within different ranges so that users can still contact the response team when outside the house. It is also possible to contact the emergency response team by pressing a button on the console.
Using a Personal Response System in an Emergency
When in an emergency, users can press the button on their emergency pendant to automatically dial the emergency response team through the console. A medical alert assistant will respond to the call and ask about the situation. The console’s two-way voice communication system will allow the user to speak with the assistant, who will then send for help based on the user’s situation.
Depending on the situation, the medical alert assistant may contact a relative or neighbor, or send an emergency medical service. If the user does not respond to the assistant due to injury or unconsciousness, then the assistant would assume there is an urgent medical emergency and will immediately send for help. If the emergency pendant is pressed by accident, the emergency call can be cancelled either by pressing a different button or by speaking with the assistant.
Choosing a Medical Alert System
There are many personal response system providers, and when choosing a medical alert system consider the services as well as the pricing. Find out if you can still use the same system if you move, if it is easy to use, and test it within your home before making the final purchase. Having a medical alert system lets users know that they can receive the help they need when they need it.
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