How do personal emergency response systems work?

Most consumers may have a basic idea of what a personal emergency response system (PERS) is, however, this note will attempt to explain exactly how the systems work.  Now I don't plan on boring you with technical jargon or details of the inner workings of the device, instead this note will focus on the components that play a role in allowing a personal emergency response system to work effectively to save lives. 

There are three main components that allow a PERS device to work.   The first two are obviously the main components of the device itself, the base station and the emergency transmitter both pictured below.  The third piece is the emergency monitoring center.  These pieces come together to provide a proven life saving combination.  In the next few short paragraphs each component will be explained a little more in detail.   

Base station and pendant

The base station is a small box like device that utilizes 120v electricity and a telephone line to send information to a monitoring center when activated by either the emergency pendant or the help button pictured on the base station.  The base unit is equipped with a built in speaker and microphone which allows the subscriber the ability to communicate with the monitoring center during an emergency.  For those individuals who may not have a land line, there are base units on the market that provide service through a cellular connection.   Not all dealers provide this service so be sure to ask.  The dealer providing your service will program the base station with your information and set it to immediately call the monitoring center upon activation of the pendant.  In addition, the phone numbers and contact information of loved ones, care givers or neighbors are programmed into the device so they can be contacted on your behalf.   Depending on the company you choose the devices can and will vary in size and functionality.  Regardless they are all small enough to rest on an end table, kitchen counter or night stand.  

2-Way voice pendant
with built in mic & speaker

 The emergency transmitter is usually worn by the subscriber and is equipped with a button which activates the base unit when help is needed.   The pendant pictured above is set up on a band allowing the subscriber to wear it comfortably like a watch.  Most pendants on the market are water resistant or water proof, however, be sure to determine this with the dealer you choose.  Meanwhile, the grey pendant to the right is the all new 2-way emergency voice pendant.  This pendant allows the individual wearing it to have a direct 2-way conversation with the monitoring center through the pendant via the built in mic and speaker. As you can imagine the benefits of this pendant are overwhelming and will be discussed in a future article.  Bottom line while they may look similar, not all pendants are created equal.

 

Once the PERS unit is set up and activated it is linked to your dealers monitoring center which is staffed 24 hours per day 7 days per week.  When you activate your emergency pendant, the monitoring center answers your call, quickly assesses your needs and responds the appropriate help.   Depending on the incident, the monitoring center will either contact your local 911 responders or a loved one on your call list.  Not all monitoring centers stay on the line with you until help arrives, so if this is important to you be sure to inquire as you are shopping around for the right service provider. 

Remember, these are NOT medical only emergency devices.  They are truly personal emergency response systems designed to summon help in a variety of emergency and non emergency situations.  Once consumers realize they are able to be used for fire, police, ems or even to contact a caregiver the true value of the service becomes evident.

Hopefully this information proves to be useful for to you.  Feel free to leave questions and comments.  To find out more about One Touch Med Alert LLC be sure to "LIKE" our Facebook page.

What is a Personal Emergency Response System?

We're going to keep this pretty simple.  Personal emergency response systems or "PERS" which are often referred to as a medical alert system are small electronic devices that allow individuals the ability to summon help during an emergency.  While these devices are usually associated with a persons medical needs, they can also be used for fire and police emergencies.  Help is typically summoned with the use of a small emergency pendant, which when activated sends a signal to a monitoring center that is professionally staffed 24 hours per day 7 days per week.  Pendants may be worn around the neck on a lanyard, around your wrist like a watch, on a belt clip or in your pocket.  Regardless of what method you prefer the important thing is that you carry it.

Emergency Pendant
with built in microphone and speaker!

These simple and easy to use systems have proven to be extremely valuable by not only saving lives and money but by ensuring the appropriate responders are sent in a timely manner when called upon.  Medical alert devices have been around for nearly four decades and while they essentially perform the same task they did back in the 70's, technology has come a long way.  In future notes we will explain the systems a little more in depth and answer questions like "How do medical alert systems work?" and "What is a two way voice pendant?"  

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