How they work

Pendant alarm

A monitored medical alarm consists of a base unit and a pendant or wrist band. If you need help, you press the "trigger" button on the pendant or wrist band and the base unit sends a call to the monitoring company. Pressing the button on the base unit has the same result.

Then it's up to the monitoring service. The service calls you to find out the nature of the problem. If there's no answer (because you're incapacitated), it arranges for an ambulance to be dispatched. Most dial 111 on your behalf. Organisations that also provide ambulance services (such as St John and Freedom Medical Alarms) will arrange dispatch directly.

Some medical alarm systems let you programme the number to be called when you press the trigger (for example, that of a nearby relative or friend).

The range of a medical alarm “trigger” is similar to that of a cordless phone. You can usually use it around the home and garden.

The pendant or wrist band contains batteries that need replacing from time to time. The base unit, installed in a telephone jackpoint, should also have a battery backup in case the power fails.

Mobile option

A mobile phone can provide a relatively inexpensive alarm system. It has the advantage that it can be used further afield – not just at home. The phone can be set up with a speed-dial key to call 111, or to call a neighbour or nearby family member. Prices for basic mobile phones start at under $100.

Telephone add-on services

Telecom offers a service called Hotline – if your phone's receiver is removed from the hook (or you press the "call" button on a cordless phone) and no number is dialled, a pre-arranged number is automatically called.

TelstraClear offers a similar service called Auto dialling. If the receiver is left off the hook for more than 8 seconds, your phone will automatically ring a preset number.