Personal Emergency Response System

Alarms exist to alert people of potential dangers and emergencies. Having one at home can definitely help save lives and properties. If you do not want anyone to get caught in a medical emergency while they are home alone, you or your family member may put on a personal medical alarm system. A medical alert or commonly called personal emergency response system (PERS) is especially helpful and handy for a sick or elderly family member. It was first conceptualised and developed in the 1970s by a German named Wilhelm Hormann who wanted to create new structures for ambulatory and non-ambulatory care for those who are sick, old, and home alone, as well as those with disabilities. The PERS is a highly versatile and dynamic gadget, which can be combined with other features like fall sensors, smoke detectors, and motion alarms.

Medical Alert Gadget

A personal medical alarm device, which can be either be active or passive, is generally worn around the wrist or neck like a jewellery. As an active device, it has a button that should be pressed whenever medical help is required. The response centre, which is normally knowledgeable about the caller’s profile and critical details, is called up automatically with the push of the button. Meanwhile, any calls or connections in progress, which are less important, are put on hold or terminated. The response centre staff then asks what the nature of the call is and does the necessary actions. The PERS has a backup battery to ensure user of a medical assistance in case of power cuts. Some alarms do not automatically call up an operator for emergency response. Instead, the user programs the numbers of family members, neighbours, or local emergency responders. Users often leave a spare key, so that the medical response team can freely enter the home whenever the user cannot move to open the door. It is properly labelled and kept at a safe to prevent improper use. Meanwhile, the passive medical alarm or dead man’s switch requires the user to activate the button several times each day. This is to alert the response centre he or she is alive and well. If the user fails to active the button longer than required, a telephone call is placed or someone is sent to check on the user.