How to choose a PERS (Personal Emergency ResponseSystem)

The “Help, I’ve fallen and can’t get up!” Button

By Mark Beghtel, Manager of Technical ServicesTSI Distribution, LLC

A Personal Emergency Response System is defined as an electronic devicedesigned to summon help in an emergency.If you are elderly or disabled, you may be considering a PERS Emergency Alertsystem for yourself, or you may have someone you care about that could useone. This guide has been prepared to help you decide what the best solutionsare for you or your loved one.There are two different types of Medical Alert PERS systems available now,monitored and non-monitored.

How a Personal Emergency Response Systemworks (Monitored PERS)

First, let’s learn how a monitored PERS system works:

A monitored PERS system has three basic components:1. A small radio transmitter (a help button carried or worn by the user).2. A console connected to the telephone line.3. An emergency response center to receive the call for help.When an emergency presents itself, the PERS user presses the button on thetransmitter. The signal is sent wirelessly to the console, which then sends adigital signal over the telephone line to a special receiver at the monitoringresponse center. When they receive the signal, with most systems (but not all),the operator at the response center can open the telephone line and talk with theclient through a speaker-phone built into the console, to verify what kind of helpis needed. If they cannot communicate with the client, the typical procedureshave the response center calling each person listed as caregivers, one at a time,until they can notify someone of the problem. If they can reach no one, they willcall the appropriate emergency responders. See Figure 1.

Some units are not set up for two-way voice, and just send a signal to theresponse center. They would then contact caregivers and/or 911, depending onhow the account is set up. You can usually choose how they set up the account,as far as who is called, and in what order.While the typical PERS system is designed mainly for calling for medical help, alot of systems have optional equipment that can be installed to expand thefunctions of the systems to include fire and burglary, providing a complete life-safety solution.(Note: Most states require that if the signal comes in as a Fire Alarm, theresponse center is required to call the appropriate Fire Department first, and thentry to make contact with the client and/or caregivers.)

How it works (Non-Monitored PERS)

A non-monitored PERS system has two basic components:1. A small radio transmitter with a built-in speaker-phone (carried or worn bythe user)2. A console connected to the telephone line.

In an emergency, the PERS user presses the button on the transmitter. Thesignal is sent wirelessly to the console, which then dials directly to 911 Services,and the user can talk directly to the 911 operator through the speaker-phone inthe pendant, just like with a cordless phone. This allows you to communicatewith the operator from anywhere around your home, even while working outsidein your garden. They typically have a range of 500-600 feet in what they call “lineof site”, and are usually shipped directly to you for a self-installation. This meansplug in the power and phone line, and it’s ready to go.These units are allowed to dial directly to 911, because they do not send a digitalsignal, they just open the phone line for you to talk with the operator. Thesesystems are typically purchased for a one-time price, and if you move, you cantake them with you. They will work anywhere that has 911 services, which ispretty much everywhere in the U.S. and Canada. See Figure 2. The disadvantages to the non-monitored PERS are that you cannot add anyautomatic sensing devices to them, such as smoke or heat detectors, and theycannot double as a security system. Also, they cannot be programmed tocontact any caregivers, family members or friends. (A new one may be availableshortly that will be capable of dialing numbers other than 911.)