Lifesaver Around Your Neck

A simple, easy to use pendant linked to base station may be the key to reducing the number of Australians who die alone and unnoticed. The VitalCall unit, a product from Chubb, enables people who have been injured, fallen or become ill in their homes to call for help simply by pressing a button.

“VitalCall is a peace-of-mind technology for both the users and their families and relatives. It enables older Australians and people with disabilities to continue living independently in their own homes for longer, knowing that help is available if they need it,” VitalCall General Manager Daryl Woolstencroft said.

“It is terribly sad to read of people who have died alone and no one has noticed, in some cases for months. This technology is certainly capable of preventing such situations occurring,” he said.

The VitalCall unit base station, which is linked to a telephone line, automatically calls the 24/7 VitalCall emergency response centre if the pendant alarm is triggered.

An operator will attempt to make contact with the user and if they can, will find out what the problem is and send the appropriate emergency services.

“The VitalCall unit works even if the user has been incapacitated to the point where they are unable to move or speak. If the unit senses no movement at a pre-determined time and an automatic alarm is not cancelled by the user, the response centre is immediately alerted, enabling the immediate despatch of emergency services,” Mr Woolstencroft said.

“And the pendant doesn’t have to be inside a home or unit to work. It is waterproof and will work up to at least 50m from the VitalCall unit so users can go about their ordinary lives in their gardens, sheds, studios or workshops knowing that they can signal for help with confidence their call will be answered."

“The service includes automatic monthly tests and the base station is programmable to prompt a daily response with an “Are you up yet?” call, an added benefit that families will particularly appreciate. Other prompts, such as one to take prescribed medication, can be programmed into the unit by the user.”

Apart from the automatic monthly tests made by the call centre the pendant battery is checked every eight hours and the VitalCall response centre is immediately alerted if the battery needs replacing.
Having the service is of great importance judging by the feedback from users and their families.

“I love the peace of living alone but I understand the risk of a fracture when one has osteoporosis - without VitalCall I think I would have to give up my independence,” one grateful user wrote. 

Another said that they would certainly recommend VitalCall to any aged person living alone adding, “having VitalCall has eased not only my mind but also the minds of my children”.

Chubb works closely with clients to ensure that when problems do occur emergency services have as much information as they possibly can so they can concentrate during the “golden hour” on saving lives.

“We ask clients about medication they are taking, any problems with access to their home or unit, who to call in case of an emergency, who is their doctor so that if a problem does arise our operators can make sure no time is wasted getting the right help to the right place,” Mr Woolstencroft said.

“VitalCall handles about 70,000 calls monthly. About 3 per cent turn out to be actual emergencies. It’s not many managers who can start their day knowing that a service your company provides saved a life the day before or overnight. It’s a good feeling,” Mr Woolstencroft said.

VitalCall is a Chubb Australasia company which is part of UTC Fire and Security, a US$5.8 billion company that provides fire safety and security solutions to more than one million customers worldwide. Headquartered in Connecticut, U.S., UTC Fire & Security is a business unit of United Technologies Corp., which provides high technology products and services to the building and aerospace industries worldwide. More information about Chubb/VitalCall and UTC Fire & Security can be found on their Web sites at www.utcfireandsecurity.com and www.chubb.com.au or www.vitalcall.com.au 

For more information contact:

Daniel Marks
Chubb Australasia
A UTC Fire & Security Company
149-155 Milton St. Ashfield, NSW 2131
Tel: (02) 9930-4433 Fax: (02) 9930-4233
Mobile: 0401-779-055
daniel.marks@chubb.com.au 
www.chubb.com.au.