Technology has brought us many gadgets and devices that have undeniable benefits. We could start with the telephone, for example, which enabled long distance conversation. Then the smartphone, a far more powerful pocket device than any of us had envisaged being possible just a few decades ago.
In the world of medicine there have been great strides in advancement with technology. This doesn’t just apply to hospitals and other medical facilities, but to the home and on person. In this article we are looking at medical alert systems, the different types and functions, and how they work. Let’s start with a short explanation of how a typical such system does its job.
How a Medical Alert System Works
The medical alert system is there for one purpose – to alert the right people should a vulnerable person find they need help. By this we mean people who are ill, elderly, and infirm – especially those who live alone – as well as those who may be injured or simply feel that they need a source of emergency contact with the outside world. A typical such system is that provided by www.lifeassure.com who are a leading name in the market.
Generally, a medical alert system works like this: a small central hub is placed in the home connected to the telephone or broadband connection. This device is a wireless receiver that talks to a pendant or watch-type device wirelessly. When the patient feels they need to make contact with a carer or family member – or with the emergency services – they press a button.
This starts a sequence in which as call is made to an emergency operating centre. Here, a trained operator will begin a two-way call over the device to the patient and decide the course of action needed. This could be to alert the emergency services, or to advice the carer or family member that the patient needs help.
Some versions have a fall sensor that advises the operating sensor should they believe the patient has endured a fall, and others can be linked with smartwatches for more functions and features. These clever devices have saved many lives and will save many more. 
What to Look for in a Medical Alert System
For the carer and the patient an overriding benefit of such a system is peace of mind that contact can be made at any time. We strongly advise you look for one that has the fall sensor function, especially when the device is for the use of elderly or infirm patients susceptible to falling.
We also suggest looking for a device that can send multiple messages to various people automatically the system is triggered, giving the greatest care for the patient. Perhaps most important of all is one that will connect to a dedicated operating center, so you are guaranteed to get immediate and correct attention. The link earlier in the article takes you to one of many offering this service.
What You Need for a Medical Alert System
Our final piece of advice is to buy best you can afford within your budget, as this is a lifesaving piece of equipment and not one to cut corners with. There are many companies offering both the units and the service for sensible rates, and we’re sure you’ll find one within your budget.
Be aware that you will need a good telephone and/or broadband connection in the home of the wearer, and they will need to be shown how it works and what to expect. We hope we’ve helped you understand what medical alert systems are all about and why you may be wise to invest in one.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
