Everyone’s medical situation is unique, and that means there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for anyone regarding any problem, condition, or situation. This being said, sometimes, there are tools or practices that can help a wide variety of people by promoting wellbeing. The following will explore just one of these solutions: medical alert systems.
The goal will be to explain what they are, how they work, and how they can be used, with the intention of helping people decide whether a medical alert system might be right for them and their circumstances.
What Is A Medical Alert System?
A medical alert system can sometimes also be called a personal emergency response system, and it is designed to simply and easily send an alert that medical attention is needed should medical attention be required. In many cases, a medical alert system can help contribute to feelings of independence and freedom while reducing feelings of fear and anxiety. If something goes wrong, a simple press of a button (or some other indicator such as car crash detection, fall detection, or heart rate alterations) will send a message to local emergency professionals who will be promptly on their way.
There is often an option to have a family member notified as well. May of the options available also includes a GPS-enabled element that can help emergency professionals find you even if you’re out hiking in the woods or wandering somewhere you don’t normally go. Typically, these systems are sought out and used by people who have an increased risk of medical emergencies due to existing conditions or other health concerns.
How Do Medical Alert Systems Work?
Medical alert systems work in a few different ways depending on their specialty, but most are based around a landline or cellular phone. The landline systems are those that use a landline telephone connection to function. Most of the time, this involves a base unit that is placed somewhere in the home and a pendant necklace that is worn by the user, which has an alert button on it. This option, of course, only works if you have a landline phone line, which not everyone does anymore.
The mobile-based medical alert systems tend to have a help button (often on a pendant necklace or bracelet) that is connected to a cellular phone. Emergency responders are able to speak to the user through their cell phone, whether they’re home or away from home, which makes this an excellent option for people who like to go out often.
What Do The Systems Contain?
Most medical alert systems will have a base station that comes with a microphone or loudspeaker, which facilitates two-way communication with a predetermined 24-hour call center. They will then also have a remote transmitter that contains the help or alert button. Should this button be pressed, the user is immediately put in touch with a call center where employees who are available at all hours of the day and all days of the week responding to the call. They are trained in emergency response protocols.
Additional Forms Of Alert
Of course, not all conceivable medical emergencies leave a person able to press a button and have a conversation with emergency responders. Many emergency response systems have additional forms of detecting emergencies which will also cause an alert to be sent out.
One of the most common options is fall detection, where accelerometer technology triggers an alert should the sensor detect a fall or rapid change in position. Given how prevalent falls are and how damaging they can be, fall prevention and response are a focus for many people. If a fall is detected, the user doesn’t need to press an alert button for the message to be sent that they need help which can be ideal if the user loses consciousness or verbal abilities.
Some medical alert systems also contain elements that monitor the user’s environment for things like smoke and carbon monoxide. Because some toxins in the air can lead to unconsciousness, this can be an ideal feature to include.
If you’re trying to determine which medical alert system might be right for you, be sure to read reviews on the different options available for a full breakdown of the features. You want a thorough examination of the pros and cons of each option, like in this review of Bay Alarm Medical. If you have friends with medical alert systems, you can also ask their opinion on the options they use.
GPS Technology
More and more medical alert systems have built-in GPS capabilities that allow emergency responders to instantaneously learn of a user’s location. GPS stands for global positioning system and relies on satellites for location data. Some systems even include a geo-fencing option that sends an alert to caregivers should a person wander outside of a previously determined “safe area.” This can be extremely helpful for those who are suffering from memory disorders and are at a high risk of getting lost.
The above information should have outlined the basic elements of a medical emergency system. Of course, every medical scenario is different, and this means that you might find yourself wanting or needing features not included on this list. For best results, speak to a medical professional about any concerns you have and steps you can be taken to ensure health and safety long-term.
