What is an Emergency Alert System?
An emergency alert system is designed to ensure security and safety in the home by providing round the clock monitoring, and an alert button so medical help is always available. They are often used by those suffering from a serious medical condition, and by seniors. These devices allow those with limited mobility or disability to maintain their independence and to make sure that if an emergency does happen, help can be reached quickly.
Most home emergency alert systems contain two main parts, a base unit and a personal help button worn on the body somewhere. The personal help button may be a pendant worn around the neck, or a medical wrist alarm. These devices normally only have one button and are usually waterproof so they can be worn in the bathtub or shower. The base unit for the alert system is usually hooked up through a telephone line and may feature a two-way intercom. The personal help button is made to only work when in the range of the base unit. For most alert systems, the range is several hundred feet.
In an emergency, typically the wearer will press the panic button and a signal will be sent to the base unit on the home alert system. Depending on the company providing the monitoring services and how the unit is designed, several possible steps may happen. Some base units will send out a loud signal that plays for a short time, usually a minute or less. During this time, if the wearer pressed the button by accident they can cancel the emergency. Most base units feature an intercom which is hands-free. If the emergency is not canceled, the unit will call the monitoring service and connect with a live dispatch agent. This agent will attempt to establish contact with the subscriber to find out the type of help that is needed.
Depending on the response that is received, the live dispatch agent will then notify paramedics or contact the subscriber’s family, neighbors, and friends. Most companies will ask for a list of contacts from the subscriber when first setting up the home alert system. The subscriber can also determine in what order the numbers are to be called. In order to convey all the necessary information to the paramedics, details on allergies, prescriptions, and medical conditions are also normally collected and given to the paramedics if they are called.
After calling all the necessary contacts, the live agent may stay on the line to monitor the situation until appropriate help arrives. For those wanting a complete solution, there are home emergency alert systems that respond to health emergencies as well as smoke, fire, carbon monoxide leaks, and other life threatening situations. Some alert systems are also designed to cover non-emergency related events, such as having someone on the line while using a flight of stairs. Although there are available systems that only focus on personal emergency solutions, some companies that provide burglar alarm systems can also be used for emergency medical help.
What is a Vibrating Alarm Pill Box?
A vibrating alarm pill box helps to organize an individual’s pills that are taken every day and then alerts with an audible and/or vibrating alarm when to take them. Alerts can be set to go off up to five times a day. They are perfect for those who have low vision, hearing impairment, or those who need memory reminders to make sure the proper medication is taken at the proper time. The alarms on the pill box have a snooze button and can only be set on the hour or half hour.
To prevent accidental triggering, a featured Key-lock function is on the pill box. Because of its compact design it can be carried easily in a pocket or in a purse. It also features a large LCD display with an LED backlight and a pulse meter for monitoring pulse rate. The pill box does not require resetting, therefore an individual will not forget to take their medicine. It also has five separate compartments to separate the medicine for five different dosage times within a day.
There are many different types of alert indicators to ensure safety and security in a home, and they are not just for the elderly. Those with a handicap or who are disabled and living alone can also benefit from an alert system. These emergency alert systems are designed as alert devices that can automatically call 911 or another pre-programmed number for help.
Rehabmart is pleased to carry innovative alert indicators from high quality vendors, which include MaxiAids and Ablenet.
Mike Price, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CTO
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