Alert1: An Emergency Alarm Wristband

The world’s population is aging, and many are aging alone. More than a quarter of Americans over 60 are living solo, and that can make it difficult to get help quickly in an emergency. Wearable emergency alarms provide security and safety for seniors, people with disabilities or health conditions, and just about anyone who lives or travels alone—and new versions of these devices are using the styling and functionality of fitness and wellness trackers to make them more accessible than ever. The Alert1 Emergency Alarm Wristband is a watch-like wearable that connects directly to the company’s 24/7 emergency alert system and a wide range of emergency services.

What is A Personal Emergency Alarm?

Known also as emergency alerts or monitors, personal emergency alarms are small devices that can be comfortably worn at all times. When an emergency such as a fall or injury happens, the wearer can get help simply by pressing a button. Some systems even send the alert on their own—an important feature in case the wearer is unconscious or otherwise unable to activate the button.

Emergency alarm systems for use at home usually include both the wearable alarm and a base unit that allows the user and the system’s representatives to communicate. More recently, though, a growing number of emergency alarms operate with mobile-only technologies that can send alerts and perform other functions from anywhere.

When an alert is activated, the call typically goes to the alert system’s round-the-clock emergency alert support staff, who contact emergency medical services or anyone else the alarm wearer requests. But today’s emergency alert systems can also have numerous other functions for helping to keep users safe, including fall detectors, location trackers, and regular health and safety check-ins.

Most emergency alarm systems operate on monthly plans, with tiers for different levels of service. Costs can also include the device itself and in-home installation if needed.

Benefits of Emergency Alarm Systems

Personal emergency alarms offer peace of mind and help people live independently and safely at any age. That’s especially important for seniors living alone, but these alarm systems can benefit anyone with a health condition or disability that puts them at risk for medical emergencies or falls. With the press of a button, a wearable alarm connects instantly with the company’s representatives, so there’s no need to search for a cell phone or dial a number.

Wearable emergency alarms can save money, too. With emergency help at their fingertips at all times, users can remain comfortably at home, without extensive caregiving or residential care.  Depending on service plans and hardware, some alarms can include other safety features, such as gyroscopes to detect falls or unsteadiness, medication monitors and GPS trackers for dementia patients who wander or become lost.

The Alert1 Emergency Alarm Wristband

Alert1’s Emergency Alarm Wristband is an affordable, basic emergency alert bracelet that’s free with a subscription to the in-home Alert1 service for $19.95. The wristband connects wirelessly to the Alert 1 medical alert system base, which calls any emergency service the user chooses. The wristband’s help button can also be used to answer phone calls.

The Alert1 wristband covers 600 feet around the system’s base station. No Wi-Fi or cell phone is needed, but the system does require a landline. For those without a landline, Alert1 offers the On-the-Go Medical Alert, which is worn as a necklace and is also available with fall detection and GPS tracking.

The Alert1 wristband is waterproof and can be worn at all times. Users simply need to set up a monthly subscription plan with Alert1 and provide their preferred emergency contacts. Alert1 offers free priority shipping on all their alarm and home safety products, as well as technical support and member care services during usual business hours.

The Alert1 wristband comes with Alert1’s In the Home plan, which also includes a base unit connected via landline to the 24/7 Command Center. It’s the company’s most economical plan, but it’s also limited to medical alerts. For fall detection or other features, users need to upgrade to other plans, which start at $30.95 per month. Discounts are available for a second user, or for longer-term commitments.

Alternatives to Alert1’s Emergency Alarm Wristband

Alert1’s basic emergency alarm wristband is one of several products offering similar features and services.

Medical Alert offers “help at the push of a button” with a basic plan that includes an emergency alert button that can be worn as a necklace or wristband, plus a base unit requiring a landline. This plan starts at $22.95 monthly, with price reductions for semi-annual or annual billing. Medical Alert also offers additional products such as a wireless alert system and fall detection, at higher monthly rates.

The Philips LifelineHomesafe Standard is a basic emergency alert system with an alert button in the form of a necklace or wristband and a base unit for landline. The alert button is waterproof and connects instantly with the company’s response center. The landline version costs $29.95 monthly with a $50 activation fee, while the cellular version jumps to $43.95 monthly plus activation.

Medical Guardian offers an array of emergency alert products geared to lifestyle, with both in-home or “on the go” options. Medical Guardian’s Freedom Guardian wristband alarm doubles as a smartwatch with options for connecting with family and friends and setting up a calendar. Pressing a red button on the side activates the emergency alert, which connects to the company’s response line. The Freedom Guardian costs $299.95, plus a subscription plan starting at $44.95 per month.

What People Are Saying

Alert1 customers praise the quick response from Alert1’s Command Center, and appreciate the willingness of support staff to provide solutions to issues that arise. Users also say they prefer the wristband option to the necklace since it’s less obtrusive.

Emergency alert systems offer peace of mind for anyone who might need help while alone. Alert1’s Emergency Alert Wristband is an affordable, easy-to-use option that helps seniors and others live safely and independently.