This short guide was created to help you understand the basics of medical alerts and how to find the best medical alert service for you. We do not sell any medical alert products or services ourselves, so you can be assured that all of the information in this guide is independent and unbiased.

Background on medical alert services
A medical alert monitoring system is designed to provide safety, security, and peace of mind for certain people at risk and their families and loved ones. Medical alerts were designed for elderly people who are at risk of some medical emergency (heart attack, stroke, falls, etc.), but can be used by anyone who might find use for such a system.

Medical alert systems work by having the user wear a small, waterproof, transmitter around their neck or wrist; if there is a medical (or other) emergency, the user simply presses a button on the transmitter. The transmitter then sends a signal to the base unit, which is attached to a phone line. The base unit then dials a monitoring center and an operator answers the call; a powerful speaker and sensitive microphone on the base unit allow the conversation to take place without the user having to actually go to the phone. In fact, many base units can handle conversations in most rooms in a home, even if the base unit is only in one main room.

If the user is within range of the base unit and can converse with the operator, the operator will assess the situation and call for help if needed. If the user is not within range of the base unit or otherwise can't converse with the operator (user is having trouble breathing, for example), the operator will call for help automatically. The list of people that the operator calls is designated by the user and family. Designated people can include family, friends, neighbors or anyone else, but in the event of a real medical emergency, or when in doubt, the operator will always call emergency medical personnel and/or the police. Arrangements can be made to have a lockbox (a secure box attached to the front door with a combination that holds a key to the home) installed at the user's home so that emergency personnel, family and friends can readily access your home when necessary.

Important features and functions of medical alert monitoring services
Medical alert monitoring services are provided nationwide by companies that are set up similar to home alarm systems. These companies provide the medical alert equipment