A medical alarm is a system that can detect a life-threatening situation and immediately alert emergency personnel. It is also known as a personal emergency response system (PERS) or medical alert.

How do medical alarms systems work?

A typical medical alarm will come in the form of a necklace or bracelet, which contains a transmitter that is activated in the case of an emergency – either consciously by the wearer, or automatically by the system itself. This transmitter sends a signal to the company that is monitoring the device, at which point staff on duty can either speak to the wearer via two-way radio, or automatically dispatch medical personnel or a nominated person to the house.

Medical alarms systems also come with a base station, which is connected to a telephone jack and normally contains a speaker and microphone. Using these, the user can communicate with a chosen emergency contact, letting them know what has happened or what kind of response is needed. In the case of the accident being so severe that the user cannot speak, if no response is received during the emergency contact, then an ambulance or medical personnel are sent to the house.

Different types of medical alarms systems

There are many different types of medical alarm systems, ranging from the simplest, easy-to-use push-button systems, to more sophisticated systems that include fall-detection software and medical monitoring. Something to think about when it comes to medical alarms for seniors is that they can be a lifeline in the case of something happening to an elderly relative while they are alone at home. A fall for a younger person might result in a bruise or a scratch, but for the elderly it could end in broken bones and a trip to the emergency room.

Most of the staff in emergency rooms and trauma care will tell you that it is the first few minutes of an emergency that are crucial and vital to the good health of the patient. Therefore, if a patient is elderly and reaches the hospital or clinic soon after suffering an injury, they are more likely to get the treatment needed before any injury becomes a problem.

Some of the benefits of using medical alarms systems in the home are:

• Instantaneous communication with control room staff who can despatch an ambulance or family member to the home;
• Ease of use, with most models offering a single button function to call for help, or even no button needed as the alarm sends out an automatic signal;
• Small transmitter that can be carried around at all times, often in the shape of a necklace or bracelet, but also clipped onto clothing;
• Medical alarms can reinforce the dignity of elderly consumers, giving them back their confidence to be able to use their homes freely without worrying about the repercussions of injuring themselves;
• Medical alarms systems also bring peace of mind to the relatives and friends of the elderly, as they know that if anything were to happen, that the alarms would ensure that the proper authorities or emergency personnel were notified in time.

While the decision to invest in a medical alarm may seem like an easy one to make, choosing the right system for your particular circumstances and needs may not be. There are many medical alarm systems on the market, with all of them offering a wide variety of pricing and options.

That is where this website comes in – to give information about and assist with the choosing of which medical alert system will work for you.

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