Set up an emergency call system: Simple and reliable

An emergency call system is meant to provide security. Nevertheless, many people hesitate to purchase one because they anticipate a complicated installation: Does a technician need to come? Is a landline connection required? Which contacts need to be stored? And what actually happens when an emergency call is triggered?

The answer mainly depends on the type of system. While classic home emergency call solutions are often connected to a base station and need to be set up or connected depending on the provider, modern mobile emergency call systems do not require complex installation.

This guide explains how to set up an emergency call system, the differences between a classic home emergency call and a mobile emergency call wristband, and what you should pay attention to so that everything works reliably in an emergency.

For many, the term "emergency call system" sounds like complicated technology. Especially older people and their relatives wonder whether additional connections are needed or if something can go wrong when operating it.

This concern is understandable. After all, the system is supposed to function reliably precisely in an emergency. No one wants to have to think in a critical situation about which button to press or whether the stored contacts are still up to date.

The good news: Modern solutions are deliberately developed to integrate easily into everyday life. The key is to choose a system that suits one's personal lifestyle.

Someone who is predominantly at home has different requirements than someone who regularly goes for walks, shops, travels, or spends time in the garden.

A basic distinction can be made between classic home emergency call systems and mobile emergency call systems.

Classic Home Emergency Call

A classic home emergency call system often consists of a base station in the apartment and a portable emergency call button. The button is worn, for example, as a wristband or pendant.

When an emergency call is triggered, the base station connects to an emergency call center or an agreed-upon service. The situation is assessed there, and then the appropriate help is organized.

Depending on the provider, the following may be necessary for setup:

• a base station in the apartment
• a power connection
• a mobile or telephone connection
• registration with the emergency call center
• an introduction to the system
• if applicable, an appointment for installation or activation

A classic home emergency call system can be a suitable solution if the person concerned is predominantly at home and desires a professional emergency call center as the first point of contact.

A mobile emergency call system is worn directly on the body and is not tied to a base station in the home. Depending on the model, it operates via the mobile network and can also be used outside the home.

This is particularly practical for people who remain active and do not only want to be secure within their own four walls.

Modern emergency call bracelets can offer the following functions, among others:

• Emergency call by pressing a button
• Automatic fall detection
• GPS tracking in an emergency
• Notification of relatives
• Connection to a professional emergency call center
• Use at home and on the go

A landline connection is usually not required for setup. A separate base station is also often not necessary for mobile solutions.

The exact setup differs depending on the provider and tariff. In many cases, it is first determined which emergency call center or service will receive an alarm.

Subsequently, personal data, health-relevant information, and contact persons are stored. These may include:

• Name and address of the user
• Telephone numbers of relatives
• Information on pre-existing conditions
• Notes on medication
• Family doctor or nursing service
• Information on key deposit
• Desired order of assistance

Then, the base station is connected in the home and the mobile emergency button is linked to it. Some providers carry out this setup on-site, others deliver the system pre-configured.

After installation, a test alarm should always be carried out. This allows checking whether the connection works and the emergency call is correctly received.

Why the alarm chain should be clarified in advance

An emergency call system is only as helpful as the process behind it. Therefore, it should be determined already during setup who will react in an emergency.

With classic home emergency call systems, an emergency call center or an affiliated service often receives the alarm first. There, an attempt is made to contact the affected person. Depending on the situation, relatives, a nursing service, an on-call service, or the emergency medical service are then notified.

With modern emergency call bracelets, the alarm can be organized differently depending on the chosen model and tariff. It is possible, for example, that stored relatives are notified first or that a professional emergency call center is directly involved.

It is important to clarify these questions in advance:

• Who should be informed first in an emergency?
• Who can be reliably reached during the day?
• Who can react at night?
• Who lives nearby?
• Who has a house key?
• When should a professional emergency call center take over?
• When should the emergency medical service be called directly?

Clear arrangements prevent valuable time from being lost in an emergency.

With a mobile emergency call bracelet, setup is usually significantly less complicated than with a stationary system.

The Gardia emergency call bracelet does not require a base station or a landline connection. Instead of technical installation, the focus is on setting personal preferences and desired emergency contacts.

Typically, only a few steps are necessary:

1. Activate emergency call bracelet

After receipt or even in advance, as soon as the emergency call bracelet is on its way to you, the device can be configured. When it arrives, you simply need to place it in the charging cradle and select the desired subscription.

2. Define emergency contacts

Subsequently, the people who should be informed in an emergency are stored. These can be children, other relatives, neighbors, or trusted persons.

Ideally, not only contacts who are emotionally close should be selected, but also people who can actually react in an emergency.

3. Determine alarming

Depending on the desired model, it is determined whether relatives, a professional emergency call center, or both options are integrated into the emergency procedure.

4. Add personal information

Information that allows for a quick assessment in an emergency is helpful. This may include the home address, important telephone numbers, or special features that should be taken into account when providing assistance.

5. Conduct a test alarm

Finally, a test should be carried out. This allows both the wearer and the stored contacts to become familiar with the process.

Especially with a security system, it's important to be able to clarify questions directly. That's why good customer service should begin with the setup process.

The Gardia team assists with activation and helps to set up the desired contacts and procedures appropriately. This way, users and their relatives don't have to work through technical menus alone.

Even after the initial setup, life situations can change. Perhaps a relative moves, an emergency contact or the priority of the emergency call center changes. You can easily update this as an administrator in the My Gardia App.

Such adjustments should be as simple as possible. Because an emergency call system must adapt to everyday life, not the other way around.

Not every person automatically qualifies as a first emergency contact. Not only the relationship but also their availability is crucial.

A mix of several people makes sense:

• a close person who is well aware of the situation
• a person who lives nearby
• a contact who is easily reachable
• if necessary, a professional emergency call center that steps in if the emergency contacts are unavailable

There is no fixed number that suits every family. In many cases, however, it makes sense to list more than one person. This way, help is still available if someone is currently unreachable.

The selected contacts should be informed in advance that they have been listed. Furthermore, it should be discussed what is expected of them in an emergency.

A test alarm is not just for technical checks. It also reduces uncertainty.

The person wearing it learns:

• how the wristband behaves when triggered
• which signals can be heard or felt
• whether an accidental alarm can be cancelled
• how quickly a response is received
• who to speak to afterwards

Relatives also learn what a notification looks like and what information they receive.

A test should take place under controlled conditions. All involved parties should know beforehand that it is not a real emergency.

An emergency call system can relieve the burden on relatives. However, responsibilities must be clear. The following points should be discussed together:

Who reacts first?

It should be clearly established who takes primary responsibility in the event of an alarm.

Who can access the apartment?

At least one reachable person should know how to gain access to the apartment if necessary. Depending on the situation, professional key storage may also be useful.

When is emergency medical services called?

In cases of acute symptoms, unconsciousness, severe pain, or an unclear situation, there should be no hesitation in calling for professional help.

What information is important?

Relatives should know relevant medical information or where to find it. This includes, for example, medications, pre-existing conditions, and important phone numbers.

What happens in the event of a false alarm?

A false alarm is no reason to be ashamed. It is only important to inform the contact persons that no help is needed.

The emergency call system must fit into daily life

A good setup does not end with technical activation. The system must also be consistently used in everyday life.

An emergency call bracelet only helps if it is worn. If it is lying on the bedside table, it offers no protection in the bathroom, on the stairs, or in the garden.

Therefore, wearing it should become a habit as quickly as possible. It makes sense to put on the bracelet first thing in the morning and only take it off for charging.

Charging should also be firmly integrated into the daily routine. For longer battery life, a fixed routine is often sufficient, for example, on a specific day of the week. Gardia, for example, has a battery life of up to 21 days and usually needs to be charged every three weeks.

Even after setup, a quick regular check is worthwhile:

• Are all emergency contacts still current?
• Are the registered persons still reachable?
• Do new relatives or caregivers know the procedure?
• Is the device functioning properly?
• Is the wristband worn daily?
• Is there a fixed charging routine?
• Have the home address or health status changed?

Such a check only takes a few minutes but can be crucial in an emergency.

Which solution is a better fit depends on the individual's daily life. A classic home emergency call system can be useful if:

• the person mainly stays at home
• a stationary base station is desired
• the alarm should be sent to an emergency call center
• an existing service is already integrated

A mobile emergency call bracelet can be useful if:

• the person is regularly on the go
• no base station is desired
• no landline connection is to be used
• relatives should be directly involved
• GPS tracking and automatic fall detection are important
• the simplest possible setup is desired

It's not about which system is fundamentally better. What matters is which system suits the daily routine and personal safety needs.