Portable Life Alert system??
June 16, 2007 9:29 PM Subscribe
Is there a system like Life Alert that works outside the home?
I've seen on tv the Life Alert system for old folks. http://www.lifealert.com/
However, I want to know if there is a system that works outside the house, where I can carry a Life Alert-like device, to call for help if I need it.
I've seen on tv the Life Alert system for old folks. http://www.lifealert.com/
However, I want to know if there is a system that works outside the house, where I can carry a Life Alert-like device, to call for help if I need it.
Yes, they are called Personal Locator Beacons. You can get one at REI.
posted by special-k at 9:55 PM on June 16, 2007
posted by special-k at 9:55 PM on June 16, 2007
I should mention that these are only meant for an absolute emergency when you have no other means of rescue. So this is not good way to summon help in any urban area (as crewshell notes, any new cellphone comes with E911 that can pinpoint your location).
posted by special-k at 9:58 PM on June 16, 2007
posted by special-k at 9:58 PM on June 16, 2007
Um, personal locator beacons use satellites and start search-and-rescue operations, don't they?
One version of the Jitterbug cell phone has only 3 buttons - 911, Tow, and Operator.
But yes, any cell phone, even without paid service, can dial 911.
posted by IndigoRain at 10:00 PM on June 16, 2007
One version of the Jitterbug cell phone has only 3 buttons - 911, Tow, and Operator.
But yes, any cell phone, even without paid service, can dial 911.
posted by IndigoRain at 10:00 PM on June 16, 2007
Whoops, you covered that with a 2nd post.
posted by IndigoRain at 10:01 PM on June 16, 2007
posted by IndigoRain at 10:01 PM on June 16, 2007
Response by poster: The cell phone option is not gonna work because the situation I'm looking at is if I'm being attacked in a parking lot or something like that...the attacker is not gonna give me enough time to dial 911. However, if I can just press 1 simple button, then it will make for a hasty emergency call.
Does the REI Person Locator System work in city areas and does it work for the situation I've just described?
posted by pikaboy202 at 10:08 PM on June 16, 2007
Does the REI Person Locator System work in city areas and does it work for the situation I've just described?
posted by pikaboy202 at 10:08 PM on June 16, 2007
The cell phone option is not gonna work because the situation I'm looking at is if I'm being attacked in a parking lot or something like that...the attacker is not gonna give me enough time to dial 911. However, if I can just press 1 simple button, then it will make for a hasty emergency call.
Most cell phones will allow customizations to dial numbers with just one button push. Put it in your hand when you feel endangered, with a finger over the button.
The problem, though, is that no alert system, 911 or otherwise, will prevent or deter an attack that is imminent or already in progress, which is what you seem to be talking about now.
For that, you'd want a personal alarm system or pepper spray.
posted by frogan at 10:28 PM on June 16, 2007
Most cell phones will allow customizations to dial numbers with just one button push. Put it in your hand when you feel endangered, with a finger over the button.
The problem, though, is that no alert system, 911 or otherwise, will prevent or deter an attack that is imminent or already in progress, which is what you seem to be talking about now.
For that, you'd want a personal alarm system or pepper spray.
posted by frogan at 10:28 PM on June 16, 2007
the situation I'm looking at is if I'm being attacked in a parking lot or something like that
Some police departments give "panic buttons" to people who have received imminent threats... It sounds like that's what you're asking about... But, unless you can document an imminent threat, I don't think you'd be eligible... However, it never hurts to call your local police department and ask.
posted by amyms at 10:32 PM on June 16, 2007
Some police departments give "panic buttons" to people who have received imminent threats... It sounds like that's what you're asking about... But, unless you can document an imminent threat, I don't think you'd be eligible... However, it never hurts to call your local police department and ask.
posted by amyms at 10:32 PM on June 16, 2007
pinkaboy202: Please dont use a PLB for this type of situation (I wouldn't have brought it up if you had described it earlier). Why don't you get just get the Jitterbug, hold it in your hand as you walk to your car and push the 911 button if attacked. Frogans suggestions are also great.
posted by special-k at 10:33 PM on June 16, 2007
posted by special-k at 10:33 PM on June 16, 2007
Does the REI Person Locator System work in city areas and does it work for the situation I've just described?
The response time to one of these becons is measured in hours. If you're worried about the few seconds that it would take you to dial 911 they would be of no use to you.
posted by 517 at 11:11 PM on June 16, 2007
The response time to one of these becons is measured in hours. If you're worried about the few seconds that it would take you to dial 911 they would be of no use to you.
posted by 517 at 11:11 PM on June 16, 2007
Response by poster: I found this online but I don't know where to buy it. Is there something similar in the US?
http://www.engadget.com/2005/05/25/bluetooth-panic-button-makes-emergency-calls/
posted by pikaboy202 at 11:12 PM on June 16, 2007
http://www.engadget.com/2005/05/25/bluetooth-panic-button-makes-emergency-calls/
posted by pikaboy202 at 11:12 PM on June 16, 2007
The Jitterbug does have just one button that you press for 911.
posted by IndigoRain at 7:22 PM on June 17, 2007
posted by IndigoRain at 7:22 PM on June 17, 2007
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by crewshell at 9:49 PM on June 16, 2007