Medical alarm

House of Emergency (also: Rufhilfe, home emergency ( Austria ), senior alarm, Senior Emergency ) refers to a system based on telephone technology system that makes it easier for single elderly or disabled people to call for help in emergencies. The casualty is possible because to live longer in their homes and still have the security necessary not to compromise on quick help. Cause of the alarm is usually a portable emergency transmitter, but may be about a sensor that responds to fall. According to the Federal Association home emergency there was in 2006 about 350 German cities such providers that are applied to one of the 180 call center. This means that around 350,000 users were supplied.

• 2.1 Active cry for help
• 2.2 Passive cry for help

• 4.1 Basic fee
• 4.2 Application costs
• 4.3 Cost Replacement

Technology

Rufhilfe the system comprises

• An emergency transmitter that is worn like a watch on the wrist or as a medallion around the neck and is provided with a button as a trigger for the call set-up. This piece of equipment is also called wireless pendant.

And

• A base station which is connected to the phone and includes a highly sensitive speakerphone.

The units are designed so that existing calls or connections will be interrupted and an emergency call about a device may be discontinued immediately and automatically ( alerting via the base station). It previously programmed telephone numbers are dialed in a fixed order.

There were movements of the hand button ( emergency transmitter ) and various other trigger types ( drop sensor, smoke detectors, motion detectors ). By the speakerphone is reached that the fallen away from the base unit person to the other party (family members, emergency call center ) can speak without a telephone handset or mobile phone.

There is a variety of devices available that can be connected via analog lines, digital ISDN lines or broadband connections. The devices allow a high level of security, since they work on batteries even in the event of a power failure. There are also devices with built-in GSM module, which operate independently from a fixed line.

Limitations

Since many telecommunications providers have started not to offer fixed-line connections using circuit switched technology, in which the power of connection through the switch ( external power supply ) takes place, but via IP-based NGN technology, a fail-safe operation of emergency equipment on these terminals is limited possible if the terminal is supported by the NGN connection. To secure a GSM expansion module can be used in this case, mostly, constituting the emergency call over the mobile network.

Operation

Active call for help

In an emergency, such as after a fall or sudden symptoms, the user can issue a call for help by simply pressing the emergency button, without having to reach the phone.

In the control center of the Rufhilfe operator ( in Austria most rescue organizations as well as private security firms in Germany charities or private operators ) then enters an emergency call and the data of the person concerned ( address, medical history, family members ) are displayed.

By the speakerphone in the base station of the staff of Rufhilfe operator can talk to the users to clarify the nature and severity of the emergency and to discuss further action.

Depending on the organization of the service and type of assistance relatives or neighbors can now be informed. Is short term no unfamiliar person reached, in many house -party, a separate emergency call service is called. When necessary, care services or family doctor etc. or notifies the emergency services alerted. Depending on the provider, the system is not just for emergencies, but will also make used, convenient to call shopping or house cleaners push of a button.

In general, the emergency call operator or with a neighbor a key is stored, so that entering the apartment is also possible if the residents themselves can not open. The keys are stored in a vault and are only marked with numbers, so that misuse is excluded.

Passive call for help

In addition to this " active alarm " there is still the possibility of " passive alarm " (or " safety watch "), and according to the principle of a so-called dead-man: There is a button on the base station, which is regularly operated by the user. He confirms that he is doing well. If this confirmation over a longer period of time ( usually about 24 hours ), then it is contacted by phone or looked up in the apartment if everything is in order.

Development

Conceived and designed the house was emergency call system in the early 1970s by Wilhelm Hormann, to provide timely with the aim of new structures in comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care and support sick, age, living alone and people with disabilities. The term domestic emergency call in its original form is therefore more widely and to see, including the transmission of biomedical data and social communication, and should not be limited to the elderly alarm. This is explained in detail in the corresponding research report on the emergency call.

The technical implementation was carried out with the help of AEG -Telefunken Backnang GmbH and was presented to the international public in the spring of 1980. The emergency call was honored in 1982 with the e Frankfurt Innovation Award of German Industry of the Clubs V. Rhein Main in Frankfurt / Main.

The German Telekom and the German Red Cross have a new technology introduced in autumn 2012 at MEDICA in a clock that works outside the home.

Financing

If in a region several suppliers exist, price comparisons should be made, the identical and typical user behavior based on place, since providers calculate quite different from the part before signing a contract.

Basic charge

First -time fees for setting up the system may be required. Some of these costs, however, are included in the monthly fee that will be charged for equipment rental and willingness to call answering and forwarding.

Input costs

In addition, cost per use can (home visits) apply and the journey with apartment keys and assistance ( for example, getting up and arrange transportation to the doctor's office ) or the like. . include These costs vary depending on the qualifications of the personnel to be employed, its vehicles, journey time and the cost structure of the provider. Sometimes the input costs are also included in the basic flat-rate fee.

In addition, the phone costs fall to the call center at ( for emergency calls, but also when pressing the reset switch on the passive automatically structured compounds such as daily connectivity tests, etc.).

Reimbursement of costs

If hospitalization can be avoided by that facility and to remain in the familiar environment is secured, health insurance may participate in the cost. Since the emergency call is a recognized resource for patients, it is possible that the long-term care and the social services will pay the costs.