According to the National Emergency Number Association (NENA), more than 600,000 calls are made to 911 every day in the United States. Research has found that most of these calls are for non-emergencies like toilets overflowing or noisy neighbors. However, if you're ever in need of help, a personal medical alert system is an increasingly popular and effective tool for quickly contacting emergency services.
Many people think that a medical alert system is only for the home-bound or elderly. In reality, these systems are beneficial for anyone looking for the security of having emergency assistance available at the touch of a button, regardless of age. If you've ever been concerned about your health or safety or had to call for emergency assistance, read on to learn more about this life-saving system.
In this blog, we will explore:
- What a medical alert system is
- Who needs to have a medical alert system
- The types of medical alert systems
- Medical alert system monitoring
In Atlanta, no one protects your home and health like Ackerman Security. From home alarm systems to 24/7 monitored medical emergency devices, we help you protect what matters most. Call us today at 800.552.1111 or get your free instant security quote online.
What is a medical alert system?
A medical alert system is a wearable device that allows the owner to call for emergency assistance with the touch of a button. These devices can be watches, necklaces, bracelets, or even keychains worn on the belt loop, shoes, or carried in a bag. The point is to have the device within easy reach should help be needed.
You can program these devices to contact emergency services such as 911 immediately or directly call a friend or family member for assistance. A medical alert system is far safer than relying on a cell phone to call for help since most people don't have their phones within reach at all times. It's very easy to get up from a chair and leave your phone behind, but a medical alert system stays with you at all times.
Who needs to have a medical alert system?
If you've seen any commercials advertising medical alert systems, they often portray older adults who use them. However, these life-saving devices are not just for the elderly or home-bound. People of all ages rely on these systems for their safety by seeking help when needed.
Medical alert systems can benefit a wide variety of people, including those with:
- serious allergies
- severe or advanced medical conditions
- balance issues who are prone to tripping or falls
- limiting conditions like epilepsy, arthritis, or COPD
- any difficulty walking or moving around
- the need for assistance with activities of daily living like bathing and preparing meals
- the tendency to wander or get lost
- no one else living with them
Types of medical alert systems
There are medical alert systems that are home-based or systems that are mobile. A home-based medical alert system allows the wearer to contact and speak with emergency services from a centrally located base within their home. This system will work through your existing home internet connection and phone line. This is a good option for people who don't leave the house often.
For those who are out and about frequently, mobile medical alert systems are a better option. Mobile medical alert systems operate on cellular networks to call for help and use WiFi and GPS to provide your location to emergency services, much like a cell phone does. For individuals at risk of being incapacitated or lost, like those with Alzheimer's or dementia, the functionality of a mobile system is ideal for keeping them safe.
Monitored and connected medical alert systems
Some medical alert systems will call emergency services when activated by the wearer. These systems are monitored 24/7 by trained emergency responders who respond to an alarm, determine what emergency services to contact on your behalf, and send for help. Personnel can use the GPS signal from your device to send your location to the authorities and can even continue to speak with you through your device or a base in your home while you await help.
Other medical alert systems are connected devices that will call the emergency contact of your choice when activated. When you summon assistance, your device will call a pre-programmed phone number, and you can communicate with your emergency contacts, such as a neighbor, friend, or spouse, to assist you or request help. These systems can also come with GPS, allowing a loved one to see your location and device status online or through a secure mobile app.
Individuals who are self-sufficient and only need occasional help can opt for the connected systems that will contact a friend or family member. Individuals with more serious medical conditions or mobility limitations can choose the monitored systems that will seek help for them when the system is activated. For people at risk of falling, some systems can detect a fall or physical accident and call emergency services automatically on their behalf without having to push the activation button.
We can't predict the future. and it's impossible to know when an emergency will arise.
Protect yourself (or a family member) with the safety of a medical alert system, making help only one touch away. Let Atlanta's security experts at Ackerman Security help you maintain your independence and give you the peace of mind of a 24/7 monitored alert system.
Get your free online instant security quote or call us today at 800.552.1111.