How to Use a Medical Alert System

A medical alert system can be vital in an emergency. Read on to learn how to use a medical alert system.

Things You'll Need

• Medical alert system
• Telephone line
• Telephone service
• Medical alert service

Instructions

1. These are, of course, a personal choice. You want to choose the system which is affordable on a monthly basis for the intended recipient. You also want to choose a system that best fits the recipients condition and surroundings. Most units come with either a neck chain with an attached alert button or a wrist button. Choose the unit which is most comfortable for the recipient. Choose the unit which has a battery backup for power outages so the unit continues to operate normally.

2. After choosing the system you want installed, take it home, unbox the unit and make sure all intended parts and pieces are included. If there is anything you need to get for it, make sure you do that before continuing.

3. Most companies who offer medical alert systems, will install the unit themselves. However if installation is not included it is easy. Simply plug the power cord into the unit, plug the active telephone line into the unit and make sure it is plugged into a wall recepticle, and plug the power cord into an electrical source. Turn your unit on. Your unit should light up to indicate it is ready to send or recieve.

4. Make sure you call the systems service provider (if they did not install the unit) and alert them that the unit has been activated so they may test it. They will tell you how to send a test to them. You must choose an emergency contact such as a son, daughter, neighbor, or so forth in order for the provider to notify for an emergency.

5. Once the unit is installed and activated by the service provider, it is ready for use. Should you have an emergency, such as a fall, you can't breath, or any emergency which would require police, fire or ambulance, use your device button either on the unit itself or around your neck or on your wrist. This is not an instant reply. It takes a couple of minutes for them to respond to you, but once they do, if you are unable to speak, they will send all three assistants for you. If you are able to speak, you may tell them what your emergency is and they will send the corresponding assistant and notify your emergency contact of the emergency and inform them of the assistance which is enroute.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose an emergency contact who lives close or who has legal rights to make decisions for you should you not be able to make them for yourself.

• Do not expect the service provider to respond immediately.

• Make sure your unit is plugged into a power source at all times.

• Do not leave your wrist band button or neck chain button off while alone in the residence.