Medical alert pendants can be a lifeline for anyone who lives alone, has a medical condition or simply wants more peace of mind. These personal alarm systems can come in-home landline or cellular and include features like two-way communication and GPS.The devices usually have a help button that connects the wearer to a monitoring center. Many offer fall detection, a range of add-on equipment and accessories that disguise wearable help buttons as jewelry.Easy to OperateIf your loved one has limited dexterity or arthritis, look for a medical alert necklace with a large SOS button. Some models also include a fall detection pendant that can activate an alarm if it doesn’t detect movement for a preset amount of time. This feature can be especially helpful for those who are prone to falling or have difficulty moving after an accident.Choose a system with a reliable monitoring center. The best medical alert systems connect quickly (on average within 30 seconds) to a trained medical dispatcher when the emergency button is pressed. These professionals will access the user’s on-file medical history and contact their emergency contacts or emergency services. They will also communicate with the user through a two-way communication device that’s either built into the base station or worn on the wearable help button, or in some cases, via a smartphone app.Mobile medical alert systems pair a wristband or necklace with a pocket-sized base station that runs on battery power and can be taken with the user when they leave the house. medical alarm These devices typically have GPS tracking technology that lets the monitoring center and your loved ones know exactly where you are in an emergency. medic alert nz Some mobile systems come with an Easy Press adapter that, depending on the make of your telecare base unit, can be used to answer incoming telephone calls.Detects a FallThe best medical alert systems with fall detection use sensors in a pendant that are constantly monitoring the wearer’s motion. They take into account things like gravitational forces and moving velocity to determine whether the movement indicates a fall has occurred.The device will then notify the user’s emergency contacts that they have fallen. If the person can’t confirm the fall, a medically-trained monitoring service agent will talk with them over the base station or mobile device and will determine what the appropriate course of action should be, which could include dispatching emergency services.Medical alert systems that detect falls work by using sensors in a pendant worn around the neck that monitor the wearer’s movements. The device is activated by pressing the pendant’s emergency button. The button is waterproof* and lightweight, allowing the user to comfortably use it in the shower.The pendant is connected to a base unit, which connects to landlines or cellular networks, depending on what’s most reliable in the area. The system’s emergency response center will then contact the user’s emergency contacts and/or emergency responders based on what they need and their preferences. Some devices allow the user to manually cancel a fall detection alarm by firmly pressing and holding the pendant emergency button or base station reset button for a set amount of time, depending on their provider.Calls Emergency ServicesTypically worn around the neck on a lanyard, a medical alert pendant is equipped with a button that, when pressed, will immediately call a monitoring center. This is what makes a medical alert system so helpful for seniors who may not be able to dial their phone or communicate in an emergency situation.A trained operator will then connect with the wearer and assess their needs. If necessary, they will contact the user’s pre-programmed emergency contacts or dispatch EMS if necessary. Some systems also offer the option to connect to 911 directly, which is useful in certain situations.In addition to a home-based medical alert system, many companies now also offer mobile cellular emergency response systems (mPERS). These work on the same cellular network as your smartphone and allow you to be protected whether you are at home or on the go.The type of system you choose depends on your needs and lifestyle. Generally, the best medical alert system is one that offers a variety of options to suit your unique situation. For example, Bay Alarm Medical offers a traditional in-home medical alert system, two mobile devices with GPS, and a smart watch to help you stay safe on the go. They even allow you to save by bundling their in-home system with one of their on-the-go systems.Detects a Heart AttackIf you suffer from heart problems, a medical alert pendant may help save your life. A device developed by researchers at the University of Washington can monitor your heart rate to see if you are suffering from a dangerously high heart rate, or if your symptoms are caused by a possible cardiac arrest. Unlike other personal emergency devices, this one can do this in your sleep.The device is designed for people at risk of experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, a condition that can kill you if not treated quickly. It uses a special chest strap that can track your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing, and sends this information to your medical monitoring company. It can also detect whether you are having a heart attack, by listening for the distinctive noise of distress in your breath, and sending an alert to emergency services.Bay Alarm Medical offers several options, including a traditional in-home system and mobile cellular models that allow you to travel with your device. All of their systems are easy to use and come with a free 30-day trial and a lifetime guarantee. Their customer service representatives speak multiple languages and are available 24/7. They also offer a variety of payment plans, including a no-term contract option and guaranteed monthly prices that will never increase. Their in-home systems work on a landline or cellular network and their mobile systems feature GPS to track your location.