Medical Alarm Systems

Most medical alarm systems consist of two parts, a base unit that dials a service center for assistance, and a wearable panic button that signals the base unit to dial for assistance.

The panic button, worn by the user, is typically designed to be worn as a necklace pendant or wrist band that resembles a wrist watch. Medical alarm systems depend on the ability of the panic button to transmit a signal to the base station. When the signal is received, the base station automatically dials the service center to call for assistance. The unit you select should be waterproof and rated for quality and endurance, remember, your life may depend on it working.
System base stations are typically no larger than an answering machine, and may be placed on a table top or wall mounted. In addition to autodialing for assistance, most base stations offer two way communication with the service center and double as a speakerphone enabling the user to answer regular phone calls by pressing the emergency alert button.

Inactivity reporting is an important life saving feature offered on higher quality systems. With inactivity reporting, the base station is programmed to require periodic responses from the panic button wearer. If no response is received, the base station will automatically dial the service center to request emergency assistance. This can be a real life saver in case of a seizure, an injury that renders the user unconscious, or when the user is injured beyond the system communication range.

This review is reprinted from and is credited to The Consumer Advisory Council