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.
If my loved one is in trouble,
and is not in the same room as the PERS console, how will they
be heard?
Most consoles are quite
sensitive, and in an average-sized home, the emergency response
center is usually able to communicate with your loved one
regardless of what room they’re in. However, there are times
when it may not be possible to communicate with a loved one
because of the extent of an emergency, therefore, medical
emergency professionals like paramedics will be immediately
dispatched to your loved one’s home.
Do PERS have the capability to
work outside?
If your loved one lives in a
house, most PERS have a range of 200 to 400 feet outside. Remember
that the emergency response center will not be able to speak
with your loved one since they are outside, but they will know
that your loved one is in trouble and will dispatch paramedics
to their house. If your loved one lives in an apartment or
condo, the outdoor range changes because apartment construction
can block the signal from outside. For example, in a large
apartment building, the system will work only inside the home,
yet in other apartments, condo's, and town homes it can work
like it does in a single family home. This is why it’s so
important to test the range of the PERS, in order to know the
coverage area of your loved one’s system.
How will emergency personnel get
into my loved one’s home?
If emergency personnel need to
be called to your loved one’s home, the emergency response
center will also contact any friends, neighbors, or family
members from your loved one’s contact list that have a key to
their home, and who live close enough to meet a rescue team at
your loved one’s door.
What happens if the electricity
goes out?
Most PERS have a battery back-up
that will operate the unit for several hours after a power
outage. When the power is restored, the battery automatically
recharges, and is then ready for any additional power outages.
Can I set-up the PERS for my
loved one, or does it have to be professionally installed?
Many PERS are designed to
install quite easily, much like a standard answering machine,
however, every company is different, so find out up-front,
because it may save your loved one money. ...Continued
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