Home Fall Detection Medical Alert

Fall Detection Medical Alert Features

How does the automatic fall detection technology work?

Fall detection technology follows basic physics principles.

As a reminder from high school physics: Speed is how fast an object is moving. Velocity is how fast an object is moving and in what direction. The units for both speed and velocity are meters per second. Acceleration, a relative measure, is the rate of change in velocity. It is measured in meters per second squared.

Within your help button, there are four advanced “accelerometers.” Accelerometers are small devices that contain microelectromechanical-system (MEMS) acceleration sensors. These sensors are silicon integrated circuits that detect changes in motion and body position in three dimensions.

Newton’s Second Law (f=ma) holds that an object's acceleration is the result of every force acting on it. On Earth, the main force acting on all objects is gravity or g-force. The baseline acceleration at sea level is 9.81 m/s^2, or 1g.

An Alert1 fall detection button sitting on your dresser has an acceleration of 1g, or gravity. The accelerometers in your fall device measure the change in g-force. In free fall, an accelerometer records zero g-force. That is to say, there is no constant force gravity. When the button stops its free fall, the accelerometer stops moving and records the sudden difference in g-force.

Software algorithms in your fall detection button interpret this sudden change in g-force as a fall event. Once the fall is detected, the button triggers a call to the Alert1 Command Center. Alert1 buttons are tested and perfected to differentiate between a fall and everyday movements, to reduce false alarms.

What happens when a fall is detected?

1. When a fall is detected Your fall detection pendant senses the fall and automatically notifies Alert1’s 24/7 Command Center

2. Respond A US-based operator from one of our two Command Centers come on the line to assist you in seconds. Even if you cannot speak– we follow the procedures set up ahead of time to make sure you get help

3. Help Arrives We stay on the line with you until help arrives so that you are never alone. We reduce worry by notifying your family members, neighbors or doctors

Who benefits from automated fall detection technology?

1. Seniors who choose to continue living independently. They frequently make fall detection technology and a medical alert system part of their aging in place plan
2. Younger adults and children who are at risk for fainting or unconsciousness regularly add a fall detection pendant to their medical alert system

Alert1’s medical alert systems have been protecting members aged 7 to 107, so give us a call if you have any questions about whether it is right for you