Understanding Personal Alarms: What you need to know

A personal alarm can help connect you to assistance at the press of a button. But with so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. If you're researching personal alarms for yourself, a parent or a loved one, you're probably asking some simple questions:

How do they work? What happens in an emergency? And how do I know if I'm choosing the right one?

Here's a simple guide to help you understand how personal alarms work and what to look for when choosing one.
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What is a personal alarm?

A personal alarm is a wearable device that allows you to quickly call for help if you need assistance. Most alarms are worn as a pendant or a wristband so they are always easy to access and use.

Whether it's a fall, sudden illness, medical emergency or a situation where something doesn't feel right, you can quickly call for help at the press of a button.

Many modern personal alarms also include features such as:

• Fall detection
• GPS technology
• Two-way voice communication
• Water resistance
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Why do people use personal alarms?

For most people, the answer is simple: peace of mind and independence.

A personal alarm can provide reassurance that support is available if something unexpected happens. Personal alarms are a bit like home insurance. You hope you'll never need them, but it's reassuring to know they're there if you do.

They're commonly used by people who:

• Live alone
• Have experienced a fall before
• Live with chronic health conditions
• Are recovering from illness or surgery
• Want to maintain their independence for longer

For families and caregivers, personal alarms can also help reduce the worry that comes with supporting an ageing parent, partner or loved one.
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Not all personal alarms work the same way

One of the biggest misconceptions about personal alarms is that they're all the same. They're not.
While many devices may look similar, the support behind them can vary significantly.

There are two types of personal alarms:

Monitored personal alarms — connect you to a 24/7 monitoring service staffed by trained emergency responders.
Auto-dial (self-monitored) personal alarms — the device stores 5-6 phone numbers, usually family and friends. It calls or send a message to the first number, then the next until someone answers.

Understanding the difference can help you choose an alarm that provides genuine emergency support.
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Monitored Vs Auto-dial personal alarms: what's the difference? Not all personal alarms provide the same level of support. Understanding the difference between monitored and auto-dial alarms can help you choose the service that's right for you. Read more →

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What happens when you press the alarm button?

When a MePACS monitored alarm is activated:
Trained emergency responders are available 24/7.

They will:

• Answer the alarm within less than two minutes
• Assess the situation
• Call your nominated emergency contacts if required
• Arrange emergency services when needed
• Stay in contact until help arrives

At MePACS, our priority is simple: making sure you get the right help quickly and efficiently.

When an auto-dial alarm is activated:

The alarm will call or text the first pre-programmed number for 10 seconds. If theres no response, it will call the next number and so on.

The person receiving the alert is responsible for assessing the situation and arranging any assistance that may be required.
If the user is unable to communicate, it may be more difficult to determine what has happened and what type of help is needed.

There can be delays, there's no guaranteed response, and if a person responds, they may not know whats the right thing to do.

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What about fall detection?

Falls are one of the most common reasons people consider a personal alarm. Many personal alarms include automatic fall detection technology, which may detect certain hard falls and automatically raise an alert, even if you are unable to press your alarm button.

While fall detection technology is not foolproof, it can provide an additional layer of reassurance for people who may be at increased risk.

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What if I can't speak?

This is one of the most common concerns we hear from clients and families.

With all MePACS monitored alarms, if a client is unable to communicate, we still treat the alert as a potential emergency. We will attempt to contact the client, then their nominated contacts. If we cannot confirm their safety, emergency assistance will be arranged.

When emergency services are required, MePACS can also provide:

• Age and gender
• Relevant medical history
• Known health conditions
• Details of the alarm activation (such as sounds or voices coming through the alarm)
• Key safe or spare key information, where available

This helps emergency responders arrive better informed and, where appropriate, gain access to the property more quickly.

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With an auto-dial alarm, the response depends on the availability and actions of the person receiving the alert. If the user is unable to speak or explain what has happened, it can be difficult to assess the situation and coordinate the right support quickly.

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Download our falls prevention guide Our comprhensive 7-page falls prevention guide covers essential resources and practical tips for managing fall risks and living confidently. Learn more

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The bottom line

Choosing a personal alarm doesn't need to be overwhelming. The most important thing isn't just the device itself. It's understanding what happens when you need help.

By understanding how personal alarms work, who responds when an alarm is activated and what support is available during an emergency, you can make a more informed decision for yourself or someone you love.

Because when it comes to personal alarms, it's the response behind the button that matters most.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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What happens if I press my alarm by accident?

Accidental alarm activations happen from time to time, so there's no need to worry.

If you activate your monitored alarm accidentally, an operator will respond to the alert, so simply say it was accidental. At MePACS we don't mind accidental button presses. We are just happy to know that you are safe and well.

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Can personal alarms work outside the home?

Some alarms are specifically designed for use both at home and in the community and include GPS technology and 2-way audio through the alarm.
While the MePACS Home Alarm only works in and around home and garden, our Mobile Alarm and Solo Watch work anywhere in Australia with good cellular reception.

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Do I need a personal alarm if I have a mobile phone?

A mobile phone can be useful in an emergency, but it may not always be within reach when you need it. Personal alarms are designed to be worn at all times, making it much easier to call for help quickly, especially after a fall or medical emergency.

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Can I wear the personal alarm in the shower?

Many personal alarms, including the MePACS home alarm pendant and Solo Watch are waterproof and can be worn in the shower. This is important because bathrooms are one of the most common places for slips and falls.

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Can my family see my location?

Some auto-dial personal alarms with GPS can send your location to nominated contacts when an alarm is activated. Features vary by device and provider, so it's important to check the product specifications.

MePACS GPS alarms, including the mobile alarm and Solo watch, only track your location once the alarm is activated. In an emergency, your location can be provided to your family and to emergency services by MePACS.

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What happens if there's a power outage?

Most monitored home alarms include a backup battery and they can continue operating for 1-3 days during a power outage.
MePACS home alarms have a backup battery and will continue to work as usual for at least 38 hours. Once the power is restored, the alarm automatically reconnects.


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Choosing a personal alarm? Our team can help you choose the best option for your needs. Contact Us