Community Alarms
Community alarms provide an emergency telephone link for older and disabled
people. The service allows people to get in touch with medical and emergency services
quickly and reliably. The alarm can be activated if a person is unable to get to
the telephone or is unable to speak. Community alarms can be used to make individuals
feel more secure and takes some responsibility off their carers.
How does it work?
In the event of an emergency, your telephone might be the only way of getting help.
With a Community alarm, help is instantly available, even if the phone is out of
reach. Users of the service will have a community alarm unit installed in their
home. This unit is radio controlled by a pendant that can be worn around the neck
or can be attached to clothing. If a user falls or requires help, he/she presses
a button on the pendant. By doing this, a signal is sent to the telephone, which
contacts the Community Alarm Control Centre.
The Community Alarm Control Centre is open 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.
When a call is received, the centre is instantly able to identify who is calling
and are able to provide details about the person including necessary contacts and
medical history. If no relative, friend or neighbour is able to help, the operator
would automatically contact one of the emergency services.