Emergency call button setup: A guide for seniors
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Emergency call buttons have revolutionized how families track the health and fitness of their loved ones. With these innovative devices, the press of a button is all you need to connect a person in distress with the relevant caregivers.
However, setting up an emergency call button can be an undertaking for new users. Although modern medical alert devices are remarkably intuitive, applying the wrong installation procedure can cause the entire system to malfunction.
In this post, we’ll explore a step-by-step guide on how to set up an emergency call button for your senior relative or friend.
Introducing emergency call buttons
The term ‘emergency call button’ can have two different connotations depending on the context.
Emergency call buttons more commonly refer to medical alert systems in general, which include software and hardware equipment used to monitor the health of vulnerable family members.
Nearly all medical alert systems are designed with an intuitive emergency call button, arguably constituting the system’s most functional component. When applied in this context, the term refers to the specific button in a medical alert system that you press to activate an emergency response.
Steps for setting up emergency call buttons
1. Pick the right device
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Emergency call buttons aren’t made equal. So, you’ll want to invest in the best system before getting to the installation part.
Researching brand reputation is one of the best practices when looking for the best medical alert systems. Insist on established companies that enjoy impeccable reviews from their (previous and current) clients.
It’s also essential to pick an emergency call button provider that maintains a 24/7 customer support line.
2. Understand the components of an emergency call button
Most medical alarm systems have the following parts;
Transmitter
A transmitter serves as the conduit through which emergency signals are relayed from the user to the rest of the system (including the monitoring center).
Most transmitters are built into wearables, such as wristbands and pendants. These wearable devices contain the actual emergency call buttons, which you press to communicate with a monitoring team and request help.
Modern transmitters are also equipped with advanced emergency monitoring features, such as GPS trackers and fall detection sensors.
Base station
A medical alarm system’s base station is its central hub. It receives signals from the wearable device through the transmitter and relays them to a dedicated monitoring center.
To enhance effective communication with a monitoring team, base stations require cellular networks or a landline telephone. Some base stations include two-way speaker systems that facilitate direct communication with monitoring center operators, improving the speed and accuracy of the emergency response.
To ensure uninterrupted services, base stations should be connected to backup power sources like batteries and standby generators.
Monitoring centers
Monitoring centers are offices staffed with trained operators who receive and respond to medical alert systems.
The staff at monitoring centers receive distress alarms. They then determine whether to seek further information from the emergency button dialer or coordinate response right away.
Software applications
Monitoring centers require software to receive and process incoming alerts. The centers also use apps to maintain critical user information, including medical histories and emergency contacts.
Such information is essential in dispatching prompt and appropriate responses.
Emergency response services
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Emergency responders are the actual personnel dispatched to the user’s location during medical emergencies.
Note that emergency responders can be anyone in a user’s preselected contact list, including local paramedics, law enforcement officers, and close relatives. However, technical assistance like cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is best left to trained professionals.
3. Complete the installation
After acquiring a complete emergency alert system, you can complete the installation by following the below process;
Find an excellent spot for the base unit
Experts recommend placing the base unit in an open area with unhindered access to internet signals.
Plug the power adapter
Base units come with adapters. To power the unit, you’ll need to plug the adapter into a nearby outlet.
It’s important to assign the adaptors dedicated power outlets and avoid plugging them into sockets controlled by a light switch.
Adjust the power switch
Find a power switch located on the back of your base unit.
The switch’s default setting is “O.” You’ll need to slide it to “I.”
The light will flash orange as it connects to nearby internet and then to green once the device is ready.
Test the system
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Testing an emergency call button is a critical part of the installation process as it ensures the entire alert system is functional.
Press the help button located on the base unit or your wearable device. A single push of the button should prompt the system to contact a monitoring center.
Establish communication with the operator and inform them you were testing the button. This is necessary to prevent the operator from dispatching emergency response providers you don’t need. Wait for the operator to disconnect, then hit the “Reset” button on your system’s base unit.
Summary
Emergency call buttons can be a thoughtful present for seniors. These alert systems help to track the health of your vulnerable family members and activate emergency assistance when they’re in distress. And while setting up emergency call buttons may sound intimidating for newbies, the process is surprisingly straightforward.
But, since no two medical alert systems are similar, the actual installation procedure will depend on your preferred device. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s guidelines even as you refer to this blog.
