Medical alert systems, also known as personal emergency response systems, have existed since the early 1980s. An estimated medical alert estimates that about 1.8 million Americans use these services. A medical alert subscriber usually has a small base station connected to a telephone line in their home, which can be automatically dialed to a monitoring center. An alarm call can be initiated at the base station by pressing the help button or pressing the button on the harness or worn media. An activator of a pendant or bracelet is actually a small radio transmitter that transmits a signal to the base station to tell it to dial.
When you subscribe to a service, you register with them detailed information about where you live, who they should contact, if you need help, as well as information about any health or disability that may affect your safety. The center will also determine which community emergency services are located in your community so that they can be called in an emergency.
When a call is initiated, the base station dials the number in the center, and the emergency response operator answers the call. The Center will have several operators that provide quick response to calls. The operator speaks to you through the headset and can also see on the computer screen information about who you are, where you live, and who can call in an emergency. The conversation will be recorded on the recorder. Your base station has a speaker and microphone so you can talk to the operator, even if you are in another room with the base station.
When you call for help, the operator will ask you some questions to determine what help you will need. The operator is prepared for quick decision making and maximum safety and well-being. The operator can call your designated responder, such as a friend or neighbor, and if necessary, call emergency services and keep in touch with you to provide repeat guarantees and support until help arrives.
After the call, the base station will automatically hang up. If an emergency has occurred, the operator can send a message on your behalf to a family member or friend to let them know what happened and what the result is. The reason for the call and the actions taken are stored in the service database so that the operators are aware of the previous calls of the subscriber when making a new call.
Usually you can have as many pendant activators as you need, for example, two family members can share the service if each of them carries an activist pendant. You can also place the activator in a cozy place in the bathroom or garage to provide additional insurance.
How are medical alert systems regulated?
Security:
In addition to FCC rules that apply to all broadcasters, many medical warnings and personal emergency response products are outside the scope of regulation regarding user safety. Most manufacturers test their products and are listed in accordance with the UL standard for home health signaling equipment (UL1637), but some services are additionally registered with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as manufacturers define their medical alert products as medical devices, such as Tunstall & Vi and CEL products, used in the Walgreens Ready availability service (www.walgreensreadyresponse.com).
Data privacy:
Another important aspect of the service is to ensure the security of confidential information of the subscriber, which can be stored in a database of services or discussed during calls. Some, but not all, vendors work with HIPAA compliant data policies. HIPAA is a federal law that provides for the protection of individually identifiable health information that is transmitted or maintained in any form or environment. Confidentiality rules affect the day-to-day business activities of all organizations that provide medical care and maintain personal health information. (http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understanding/summary/)
Payment Medical Alert Service:
Previously, the subscriber of the medical alert service very often had to purchase equipment and enter into a long-term contract for a permanent monitoring service. These days, most services are paid for by a simple monthly payment that covers the rental of equipment and monitoring services, and the contract can be terminated by the subscriber with each choice.
In the following article:
In the next article, I will talk about how technologies are being introduced to improve medical alert systems and create telecontrol solutions that have far more benefits for people living alone and with risks.
