Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

A socially acceptable emergency alarm system

S N Pocock, K Grossfield

    Journal of Medical Engineering & Technology
    |March 1, 1981
    PubMed
    Summary

    This study introduces an automated alarm system for at-risk elderly and disabled individuals living alone. The system efficiently directs calls for help to voluntary responders before escalating to official services, saving manpower.

    Related Concept Videos

    You might also read

    Related Articles

    Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

    Sort by
    Same author

    A feasibility trial of a bureau-based telephone service for the deaf.

    British journal of audiology·1982
    Same author

    Short Communications: Short technical description of the MonA and PotLab colorimeters.

    The Journal of automatic chemistry·1979
    Same author

    The proposed 16 amp plug and socket system in UK hospitals?

    Journal of medical engineering & technology·1977
    Same author

    Initiatives in equipment for the elderly.

    Hospital equipment & supplies·1976
    Same author

    Faults found in electro-medical instruments.

    Biomedical engineering·1972
    Same author

    Earth-free patient monitoring. 2. Design and specification.

    Biomedical engineering·1972

    Area of Science:

    • Gerontology and assistive technology
    • Public health and emergency response systems
    • Computer science and network engineering

    Background:

    • Elderly and disabled individuals living alone are at increased risk when isolated in the community.
    • Existing alarm systems may lack efficiency in reaching responders or managing call distribution.
    • A need exists for cost-effective and scalable solutions to support vulnerable populations at home.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To describe a novel alarm system designed for at-risk elderly and disabled individuals.
    • To evaluate the system's efficiency in call processing and resource management.
    • To assess the system's potential for widespread adoption in community care.

    Main Methods:

    • Development of a personal radio transmitter (97 kHz) and a home-based receiver/autodialler.
    • Implementation of an unmanned, computer-controlled central station for call processing.
    • Prioritized call routing to voluntary helpers, with escalation to official services if unanswered.
    • Inclusion of a 'handshake' feature for the first responding helper to cancel subsequent calls.

    Main Results:

    • The system successfully processed calls for help, directing them to voluntary responders.
    • A public trial in Harrow demonstrated the system's effectiveness and potential for adoption.
    • The system offers significant manpower savings and effective coverage in diverse geographical areas.

    Conclusions:

    • The described alarm system provides an efficient, cost-effective solution for supporting vulnerable individuals at home.
    • The computer-controlled central station and tiered response mechanism optimize resource allocation.
    • The system is suitable for community-wide implementation, with recommendations for future development.

    Related Experiment Videos