How does a PERS work?
How it works is quite simple,
involving only three components: a small radio transmitter (a
light-weight, battery-powered “help” button that can be carried
on a belt or in a pocket, or worn by the user on a chain around
the neck or on a wrist band); a console connecting to the user’s
telephone; and an emergency response center that monitors these
types of calls. When emergency help is needed, such as medical,
fire, or police, the PERS user can press the transmitter’s
“help” button, sending a radio signal to the console (connected
to the user’s telephone). This causes the console to
automatically dial one or more pre-selected emergency telephone
numbers. Most of the systems that exist have the capability of
dialing out, even if the phone is in-use or off-the-hook, making
this a crucially important feature. When an emergency response
center is contacted, the caller is identified, allowing the
center to determine the nature of the emergency, review the
caller’s medical history, and notify the appropriate medical
professionals and/or family/caregiver. If the center can not
contact the caller or determine whether an actual emergency
exists, they will notify emergency providers to go to the
caller’s home, monitoring the situation until the problem is
resolved. Most “help” buttons are waterproof, and can be worn in
the shower or pool.
What exactly is the “emergency
response center,” and where is it located in proximity to my
loved one?
There are two types of emergency
response centers: provider-based centers which are usually
located in the loved one’s local area and operate out of
hospitals or social service agencies, and then there’s
manufacturer-based centers which usually operate from one
national center. Most emergency response centers are available
24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
Who gets notified in the event
of an emergency?
At the time your loved one is
first setup with a PERS, a client information form will be
completed. The profile will contain important information of
anyone on the contact list. If no one on the contact list can be
reached, emergency services in your loved one’s area will be
dispatched. Information for the contact list includes:
Name:
Relationship:
Keyholder: Yes No
Home:
Work:
Cell:
Pager:
The client information form also
includes your loved one’s medical conditions, allergies,
prescribed medications, doctors information, and any special
instructions.
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