Medical Alarm - How an Emergency Medical Alert System Works
Discover how emergency medical alert systems work. Every company offers specific features, but the basic principle is the same.
You’ve seen the ads where a woman proclaims, “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up.” However, most people question the reliability of an emergency medical alert system. Are they really effective?
Medical Alert Devices Save Lives
Situations Where Alert Systems Benefit the Elderly
In the winter of 2008, an elderly man failed to pay his electricity bill for a number of months. In response, the electricity company turned off his power and he froze to death. No one checked up on him often enough to prevent this tragedy. Sadly, had he had an emergency medical alert system, sensors could have notified caretakers that the house temperature was too low, thus saving his life.
In May 2009, a senior citizen died of dehydration and infection after falling in her home. Unable to get up, she could not alert anyone that she needed help. A family member checked on her more than 24 hours later, but after 15 days in the hospital, she passed away.
In both cases, an emergency medical alert system could have prevented their deaths.
Setting Up a Medical Alert System
It’s easy to set up an emergency medical alert system. Connect the base unit to your telephone line and plug the unit into an outlet.
Next, push the help unit on your necklace or wristband and wait for the care specialist to come on the line. Simply state you are testing your unit. The specialists will answer any questions you may have and arrange a time for a weekly test to make sure the emergency medical alert system is operating correctly.
Using the Alert System in an Emergency
If you fall or need medical attention, simply push the help button on your emergency medical alert necklace or bracelet. A care specialist answers over the intercom system and asks questions about your situation. While remaining on the line with you, the care specialist calls someone in your area to go stay with you until emergency crews arrive.
You may accidentally push the help button. That’s fine. Base units will have a cancellation button. If you do not reach the cancellation button in time, simply tell the care specialist that you accidentally pushed the button. It happens all the time, so they are used to it!
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