As the UK approaches Emergency Services Day on the 9th of September, it is the ideal opportunity to share insight into a vital component of emergency response for the elderly and vulnerable: personal alarms, also known as pendant alarms. These unassuming devices play a central role in supporting the incredible efforts of our emergency services. We will explore how they help to support the elderly and vulnerable and the brave individuals who work for the emergency services on Emergency Services Day 2023.
Emergency Services Day 2023: an ode to health workers
Before we delve into the necessity of having a pendant alarm, let’s take a moment to recognise the significance of Emergency Services Day 2023. It’s important for us as a nation to express our gratitude to the dedicated individuals who keep our health service functioning 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Why are personal alarms important?
The UK, like many other countries across the globe, has an ageing population. The latest census reveals that the number of people aged 65 and over has increased from 9.2 million in 2011 to over 11 million in 2021. Pendant alarms are a lifeline for elderly and vulnerable individuals, offering the following benefits:
Rapid emergency response
When an individual experiences a health emergency, be it a fall, sickness or other situations that require assistance, time is of the essence. At the push of a button, personal alarms alert the contact centre team, who can contact a nominated key holder (such as a relative, friend or neighbour). If necessary, the team will contact the emergency services to help the individual in distress.
Location and medical information
Personal alarms not only provide a way for the contact centre to contact the emergency services, but also relay vital information about the user’s location and medical history. These essential details enable the emergency services to deliver the appropriate care as quickly as possible.
Fall detection
Unfortunately, around half of people aged 80 and over fall at least once a year. Pendant alarms for the elderly allow them to call for help quickly and easily if they have a fall.
Peace of mind
Personal alarms are beneficial for the elderly and vulnerable individuals wearing them, but also to those who care about them. Pendant alarms provide much-needed peace of mind to family members and friends who want to ensure that their loved one is safe and can call for help when necessary.
How do personal alarms support the emergency services?
In honour of Emergency Services Day 2023, we want to highlight how personal alarms support the emergency services:
Quicker access to emergency help
When in emergency situations, it can be difficult for the elderly or vulnerable to reach a phone to call the emergency services. By wearing a pendant alarm, the user can make contact with the contact centre and they can quickly call emergency services. The immediate connection facilitated by pendant alarms allows users to access emergency services more easily and quickly.
Relevant information
When a pendant alarm is activated, it alerts the contact centre team to critical information, such as the user’s location and medical history. This vital information can be passed on to the emergency services to be better prepared and informed when they arrive at the scene.
Efficient resource allocation
Personal alarms allow emergency services to allocate resources more efficiently, as they differentiate between medical emergencies and situations where a response from a friend or family member is more appropriate.
Key safes can prevent forced entry
If the emergency services need to gain access to a property and the patient can’t get to the door, they could break down the door if they believe there is a risk to the patient. They are unlikely to pay for any damage if they have a justifiable reason to force entry into the premises. By installing a key safe, the contact centre can pass the code to the emergency services who can gain access to the property quickly without forced entry.
Personal alarms: keep loved ones safe beyond emergency services day
We’ve demonstrated the vital role that personal alarms play in keeping the elderly and vulnerable safe on Emergency Services Day and beyond. If you’re contemplating a personal alarm for yourself or a loved one, Careium is here to assist. We offer two types of personal alarms: in-home and out-and-about.
In-home personal alarms contact the emergency response team at the press of a button if any accident or emergency occurs at home or in the garden. The pendant alarm does not require charging and is ideal for those requiring a discreet device to quickly and easily call for help.
Out-and-about personal alarms offer GPS location tracking to ensure your loved ones can seek help when they’re out shopping, visiting friends or going for a walk. The wearer can call for help at the press of a button, and the rechargeable device is easy to carry around the neck or in a pocket.
Contact Careium Today
If you’re considering an in-home or out–and-about personal alarm for yourself or a loved one, please do not hesitate to contact our friendly team to discuss your options and ask any questions you have. You can call us on 0300 333 6511 or email us at [email protected].