Frequently Asked Questions about Vital-Link Electronic Medical Alert Systems
We know you may have practical questions about our electronic medical alert systems. We hope the following answers assure you seniors, and those who care for an elder or someone with disabilities, that our emergency medical alert systems are an excellent source of safety and security. Please view our blog for additional information at www.avitallink.blogspot.com
- What if there is a power outage?
- When I activate the system where does the signal go?
- Do I have to sign a contract committing to the system for an extended period of time?
- My husband and I both could benefit from this service. Do we pay for two systems?
- I usually keep my door locked; will EMS have to break down my door in case of an emergency?
- How large is the button (transmitter)? Where do I wear it?
- I have trouble hearing so I may not be able to hear the monitoring station. Is this a problem?
- How long does it take for the monitoring station to receive my signal and talk to me?
- I spend part of the year (winter/summer months) at a different location. Do I need to get another personal medical alert response system for that location as well?
- If the system breaks, how would I know? How much does it cost to service?
- Will the pendant reach my garden or my swimming pool?
- Is there a charge if I accidentally set off the system?
- Can I wear the pendant when I am in the shower or bathtub?
- In the event of an emergency, could you call my family before you call EMS?
Q1: What if there is a power outage?
A: There is a back-up battery in the system which can operate up to 14 hours after an outage. Once power returns the back-up battery is able to recharge in the event of another outage.
Q2: When I activate the system where does the signal go?
A: An operator from our monitoring station will receive the signal and immediately access your account information. The operator will be able to notify the necessary responders and/or contact your local EMS depending on the nature of the emergency.
Q3: Do I have to sign a contract committing to the system for an extended period of time?
A: There is no long term contract committing you to the use of our service. You are only committed to the initial payment period and then you can be billed on a monthly basis. If, after the initial obligation, you decide that you no longer want the service, contact us and we will provide you with instructions for returning the equipment to us.
Q4: My husband and I both could benefit from this service. Do we pay for two systems?
A: No, it is not necessary for you to pay two monthly monitoring fees. For a one-time charge of $45.00 you can receive a second button (transmitter) enabling both of you to use a single system to get help if you are in need of assistance.
Q5: I usually keep my door locked; will EMS have to break down my door in case of an emergency?
A: No. There are a few things that can be done to ensure that it is not necessary to break into your house to get you the help you need. First, you can give us a list of people within the general vicinity of your residence who have a copy of your key. Secondly, you can provide us with a location outside of your residence where a key is hidden. Finally, if you are uncomfortable with hiding a key, we can provide you with a lock box for a one time charge of $45.00. In the event of an emergency we will provide the emergency medical services with the combination necessary to open the lock box.
Q6: How large is the button (transmitter)? Where do I wear it?
A: The transmitter is very small, about the size of a half dollar or matchbook and it only weighs an ounce. The button can be worn either around the neck as a necklace or on the wrist like a watch.
Q7: I have trouble hearing so I may not be able to hear the monitoring station. Is this a problem?
A: Not at all! If we are unable to get a clear response from you, then we will first attempt to contact you by telephone. If there is still no response, then we will follow the response procedure that you specify upon subscribing to the service, and send the appropriate help.
Q8: How long does it take for the monitoring station to receive my signal and talk to me?
A: The alarm will sound for approximately 45 seconds. About 20 seconds later, a Vital-Link emergency response operator will contact you through the speaker in the console and ask if you need assistance.
Q9: I spend part of the year (winter/summer months) at a different location. Do I need to get another personal medical alert response system for that location as well?
A: No. You can take your system with you if your location changes for more than a month at a time. You must notify Vital-Link of your new address so that we know where to send help in case of an emergency.
Q10: If the system breaks, how would I know? How much does it cost to service?
A: We recommend that you test the system on a regular basis (at least once a month) or as often as you like. You can test it anytime 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Years. In the unlikely event that something breaks and the system is not working, we will fix or replace it. THERE IS NEVER A CHARGE FOR SERVICE!
Q11: Will the pendant reach my garden or my swimming pool?
A: The strength of the transmitters used in personal medical alert systems is regulated by the FCC, and the signal strength is usually reliable from 150-300 feet depending on structural, ambient radio frequency, and/or ambient electromagnetic interference. When you first receive the system and set it up, we will work with you to test and determine the actual range of the system within your residence.
Q12: Is there a charge if I accidentally set off the system?
A: No. There is no charge for pressing the button by accident. Just be sure when we ask if you need help to let us know you were either testing the system or activated it by accident.
Q13: Can I wear the pendant when I am in the shower or bathtub?
A: The pendant is water resistant and should be worn in the shower or tub as accidents can often occur in those areas.
Q14: In the event of an emergency, could you call my family before you call EMS?
A: Yes. When you sign up for our service, we will have you provide us with an emergency response plan that we will follow in the event we cannot directly communicate with you through the system and find out the best way to respond. You are able to specify up to four personal responders (friends or family) in addition to EMS.
