The Medical Alarm Guide

Medical Alarm Pendant

Also called a medical alarm, this is a small electronic device with a large button that is pressed when the person falls or suffers a physical accident or medical condition while at home. The medical alarm contains a transmitter that relays a distress signal to the base console receiver, which then automatically dials a preset number - either a neighbor or the medical alert monitoring center, which then calls back.

Medical alarm transmitters are usually worn around the neck as a pendant or on the wrist as a bracelet or watch. The units are waterproof and can be worn in the shower or bath - many accidents among the elderly involve slips and falls in and out of the bath area.

Some models have built-in accelerometers that can detect if a person is falling and will automatically relay a distress signal without needing a button pushed. This is useful if the person is prone to fainting spells.