Emergency Alert

Emergency Alert Emergency Alert

System A Personal Emergency Response (PERS) is an electronic device designed so you can call for emergency help. If you are a person with disabilities or elderly living alone, you might think about buying a PERS (also called Medical Emergency Response System).

How a PERS
A PERS has three components: a small radio transmitter (a help button carried or worn by the user) of a console connected to the phone and a response center that handles emergency calls.

When emergency help (medical, fire or police) is needed, the PERS user presses the help button on the transmitter. It sends a radio console. The console automatically dials one or more pre-selected telephone numbers of emergency. Most systems can make, even if the phone is on or off the hook. (This is called "seizing the line.") Most people are programmed to call an emergency center, which identifies the caller. The center will try to determine the nature of the emergency. Center staff also can review your medical history and check to be reported.

If the center can not contact you or determine whether an emergency exists, alerting the emergency services of urgency to go home. With most systems, the center will monitor the situation until the crisis is resolved.

Transmitters
Transmitters are light, a battery powered device is activated by pressing a button or two. They can be worn on a chain around your neck or wrist, or may be carried on a belt or pocket. Because the transmitter is battery operated, batteries should be checked regularly to ensure they operate. Some units have an indicator to help to know when to change batteries.

Console
The console works as an automatic dialing machine and sends the emergency alert through telephone lines. Works with any private telephone line and generally do not require additional wiring. If you have more than one phone extension a special connector or wiring needed by May to allow the console to seize the line.

Emergency Response Center
There are two types of centers, emergency response - on the basis of suppliers and manufacturer based. Provider centers in general are in the region of users and are operated by hospitals or social service organizations. Manufacturer based operations usually have a national center. Sometimes, consumers who purchase systems may choose between the base of suppliers and manufacturer based in the center, but consumers that current systems of manufacturer A are generally people per day use of their national center.

Purchase, lease or rental of PERS
A PERS can be purchased, leased or rented. Neither Medicare nor Medicaid, in most states the payment for the purchase of equipment, as well most insurance companies. Only insurance companies that pay requires a doctor's recommendation. Some hospitals and social service agencies in May subsidize fees for low income users. The purchase price of PERS normally range from $ 200 to over $ 1500. However, some consumers have reported paying $ 4,000 to $ 5,000 for a PERS. You also must pay the costs of installation and monthly monitoring charge which may cost $ 10 to $ 30.

Rents are for domestic manufacturers, local distributors, hospitals and social service agencies. Monthly rates range from 15 to 50 dollars and usually include the surveillance.

Leases can be long term or lease-purchase. If you rent, consider the contract carefully before signing. Note Cancellation Clauses special, that you may have to pay cancellation fees or other fees.

Before the purchase, lease or rental system, check the drive for defects. Ask to see the warranty and service contract and get all issues resolved. More information about the repair policy. Find out how to replace or repair if a malfunction.

If a seller PERS ordering by phone, and you are interested in the device, request price information, system features and services. You can then use this information to comparison shop among other PERS providers. If the seller refuses to provide information through a home visit, you may want to consider doing business with another company. The sale of home visits can be of high pressure and the seller may want to purchase before you are ready to make a decision.

Before doing business with companies selling PERS, you may want to contact the local consumer protection, the Office of the Attorney General and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Ask if there have been complaints against companies that are considering. You also want to get recommendations from friends, neighbors or family use of emergency response systems.

Shopping List
To help you buy a PERS that meets your needs with other response centers. For example, you can use the same system if you move?
* Know about prices, features and maintenance of each system and compare costs.
* Make sure the system is easy to use.
* Test the system to ensure that it works at all points in and around your home. Make sure it does not interfere with transmissions.
* Read the purchase, rental or lease carefully before signing.

Questions to ask the response center
You may also want to ask questions about the response center:

* Control center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?
* What is the average response time?
* What type of training has the center staff receive?
* What procedures uses the center to test the systems in your home? How often are tests conducted?

About the Author:

MedScope Personal Emergency Response Systems offer affordable, effective medical alarm systems. To find out more, go to http://www.medscope.org or call us at 1800-645-2060

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - What is a Personal Emergency Response System?

EAS: Evacuation Immediate/Emergency Action Notification (EVI/EAN) for Seattle