The Medical Alarm Guide

Medical Alarm Console (Dialer)

Also called a medical alert base unit, this electronic device is connected to the home phone line and receives a panic or emergency signal that is transmitted by the person wearing a wireless pendant or wristband. The base console dials the medical alert monitoring center, which is answered by a live operator, usually within 30 seconds.

The base console contains a sensitive microphone and a powerful loudspeaker that allows conversation to take place between the person in distress and the operator - without the person having to walk over to the unit. Most base units can handle conversations even if the person is in a different part of the house.

However, if the person is not within range of the base unit, cannot hear or cannot speak, the operator will call for medical assistance immediately. In this case, the operator will dispatch a call to the local emergency medical response team.