September 29, 2024
Duress Alarm Guide: Ensuring Safety and Quick Response
What are the types of Duress Alarms?
Panic button pendant alarm
The most common type of duress alarm is a pendant worn around the neck or wrist. These devices feature a prominent button that, when pressed, sends an alert to an emergency response centre. Pendant alarms are lightweight, waterproof, and can be worn at all times, even in the shower.
GPS personal alarm
For added protection outside the home, GPS-enabled duress alarms provide location tracking when activated. This feature is especially valuable for seniors who maintain active lifestyles or individuals with dementia who may wander. When the alarm is triggered, the emergency response team can pinpoint the user's precise location and dispatch help accordingly.
Who are duress alarms for?
Seniors living independently
For older adults who wish to age in place, a duress alarm provides the confidence to maintain their independence while knowing that help is easily accessible if needed. This peace of mind is invaluable for seniors and their loved ones.
People with medical conditions
Individuals with chronic illnesses or medical conditions that may require urgent attention benefit greatly from duress alarms. Whether it's a heart condition, diabetes, or epilepsy, having a quick and reliable way to call for help can be life-saving.
Those at risk of falls
Falls are a leading cause of injury among seniors. [1] Duress alarms with automatic fall detection can sense when a user has fallen and alert the response team, even if the individual is unable to press the button themselves. This feature is crucial for those with mobility issues or a history of falls.
People with disabilities
For individuals with disabilities that affect their mobility or communication, a duress alarm provides an easy way to call for assistance when needed. This can include people with physical disabilities, hearing or visual impairments, or cognitive disorders like dementia.
Lone workers in high-risk jobs
Duress alarms are also essential for employees who work alone or in potentially dangerous situations. This includes healthcare workers, social service providers, real estate agents, and those in the transportation or utility industries. In case of an emergency or threat, a duress alarm allows these workers to discreetly call for backup.
How Does a Duress Alarm System Work?
A duress alarm system involves three main components:
- The Duress Alarm Device: A wearable pendant, smartwatch, or wall button activated in an emergency.
- The Emergency Response Center: Receives alerts and is staffed 24/7 by trained operators who assess the situation and dispatch help.
- The Response Team: Includes emergency services, family members, caregivers, or security personnel who provide assistance.
When a duress alarm is activated:
- The user presses the button on their device.
- The alarm sends a signal to the emergency response centre.
- An operator attempts to communicate with the user.
- If the user responds, the operator assesses the situation and takes appropriate action.
- If the user is unresponsive or needs emergency assistance, the operator dispatches help to their location.
- The operator stays on the line until help arrives.
- The emergency response centre updates the user's emergency contacts.
How does it work if I'm outside in the garden?
If you have a mobile duress alarm like a pendant or smartwatch, you can activate it from anywhere within range of the base unit or with cellular coverage. Some duress alarms, like the Umps Link, offer a range of up to 100 meters from the base unit. This means you can call for help even if you're in the garden or doing other outdoor activities within this range. This allows the emergency response centre to pinpoint your location and direct emergency services to you, even if you're unable to communicate.
How does it work if I can't speak?
If you're unable to speak when you activate your duress alarm, the emergency response centre will still respond. The operator will attempt to communicate with you and assess the situation based on any background noise or other cues. If they don't receive a response, they'll assume it's an emergency and dispatch help immediately.
How does it work if I can't activate it?
Some duress alarms are equipped with automatic falls detection. This means they may activate without you pushing the button. It’s important to remember that no personal alarm with automatic falls detection is perfect, and every alarm with this type of technology will miss some real falls. Additionally, automatic falls detection can be triggered through movement like a fall and are prone to false activations.
When do you use a duress alarm?
While we hope you'll never have to use it, understanding when to activate your duress alarm can make all the difference in an emergency. Here are some key situations when you should use your duress alarm:
- Medical emergencies: If you're experiencing severe pain, difficulty breathing, or symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, don't hesitate to press your duress button. Quick action can be life-saving in these situations.
- Falls: Whether you've fallen and can't get up, or you're feeling dizzy and fear you might fall, your duress alarm is there to summon help quickly.
- Feeling unsafe: If you ever feel threatened or unsafe in your home, perhaps due to an intruder or suspicious activity, your duress alarm can silently alert authorities.
- Lost or disoriented: For those with memory issues who might become confused or lost, even in familiar surroundings, a duress alarm can bring assistance.
- Unable to reach the phone: In any situation where you need help but can't reach a phone, your wearable duress alarm ensures you can still call for assistance.
Remember, your duress alarm is there for your peace of mind. If you're ever in doubt about whether to use it, it's always better to be safe and press the button.
What are the benefits of using a duress alarm?
Duress alarms offer numerous benefits for both the user and their loved ones:
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that help is readily available provides a tremendous sense of security and peace of mind for the user and their family members.
- Maintaining Independence: Duress alarms empower seniors and people with disabilities to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible, without compromising their safety.
- Faster Emergency Response: In the event of a fall, medical emergency, or other crisis, a duress alarm ensures that help is signalled quickly. Prompt treatment can significantly improve outcomes, especially for time-sensitive conditions like stroke or heart attack.
- Reducing Caregiver Stress: For family members caring for elderly loved ones, a duress alarm provides reassurance and reduces the constant worry about their safety. This can help alleviate caregiver burnout and improve overall family well-being.
What to look for when selecting a duress alarm?
When choosing a duress alarm for yourself or a loved one, consider the following factors:
- Monitoring: Ensure the alarm is connected to a reputable, 24/7 professional emergency response centre with experienced operators.
- Range: For in-home systems, check that the base unit's range is sufficient to cover the entire home and yard.
- Battery life: Look for devices with long-lasting batteries that are easy to charge or replace.
- Waterproof: Since many accidents happen in the bathroom, select a device that is waterproof and can be worn in the shower.
- Two-Way Communication: The ability to speak directly with the emergency response centre through the device can provide reassurance and help assess the situation more effectively.
- Comfort and Discretion: For a device that will be worn constantly, comfort and discretion are key. Look for lightweight, low-profile options that won't interfere with daily activities.
How can I get a free duress alarm?
In Australia, eligible seniors and people with disabilities may be able to access fully subsidised duress alarms through government-funded programs. These include:
- Home Care Packages: Home Care Packages are designed to support older Australians to live independently at home. These packages can include funding for a duress alarm as part of an individual's assessed needs.
- Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP): CHSP provides basic support services to help older people remain living at home. This can include access to personal alarms (duress alarms) at a subsidized cost or for free, depending on eligibility.
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS): The NDIS provides funding to eligible people with permanent and significant disability so they can access reasonable and necessary supports, which may include a duress alarm if it's deemed essential for their safety and well-being.
To find out if you or your loved one qualifies for a free or subsidized duress alarm, contact Umps today. Our friendly team can guide you through the process and help you access the support you need.
What is the difference between a personal alarm & a duress alarm?
The terms "personal alarm" and "duress alarm" are often used interchangeably. Both refer to devices that allow the user to call for help in an emergency situation. However, there can be some distinctions:
- Personal Alarm: This term is more commonly used for devices aimed at seniors and people with medical conditions. The focus is on calling for help in case of a fall, accident, or health emergency.
- Duress Alarm: While also used in the context of seniors and medical emergencies, "duress alarm" is more often associated with devices used by lone workers or those in high-risk situations. The emphasis is on discreetly calling for backup in case of a threat or dangerous situation.
Ultimately, both personal alarms and duress alarms serve the same primary function: providing a quick and easy way to summon help when needed.
Is a panic alarm the same as a duress alarm?
Panic alarms and duress alarms are similar in that they both allow the user to call for help in an emergency. However, there are some key differences:
- Panic Alarms: These are typically fixed buttons installed in a specific location, such as under a desk or near a cash register. They are commonly used in banks, retail stores, and other businesses to silently alert security or police in case of a robbery or threat.
- Duress Alarms: These are portable, wearable devices that the user can activate from anywhere. They are designed for personal safety and are more commonly used by seniors, people with medical conditions, and lone workers.
While panic alarms are useful in certain settings, duress alarms offer greater flexibility and coverage, as they are not limited to a fixed location.
Where can I buy a duress alarm for seniors?
At Umps, we've developed a duress alarm system tailored to seniors' needs. Our lightweight, waterproof pendant alarm provides a simple, reliable connection to our Australian-based emergency response centre 24/7.
Using the Telstra 4G network, our system offers wide coverage without Wi-Fi, ensuring help is just a button press away. The Umps Hub also includes smoke alarm detection, linking users to a trained operator for emergency assistance and support.
Our compassionate, Australian-trained operators stay on the line until help arrives, offering reassurance during stressful situations.
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