Life Alert Emergency Response, Inc. launched the first personal emergency response system (PERS) in 1987. Since then, it has become a trusted service for older adults and people with medical conditions who may need urgent help. The system connects users to emergency responders with the press of a button, helping to prevent serious injuries or worse.
The U.S. medical alert systems market is now worth $2.55 billion and is expected to grow to $7.63 billion by 2034, with an 11.58 percent annual growth rate. This increase reflects the growing need for emergency response systems, especially as the population of older adults continues to rise.
"We have spent nearly 40 years refining how emergency alerts are handled, and the numbers show that we make a difference," said a company spokesperson. "Our system is designed to get help quickly when every second matters."
How Life Alert's System Works
The system is designed for simplicity and efficiency. A subscriber wears a lightweight device, either a pendant or a wristband, with an emergency button. When pressed, it instantly connects the user to Life Alert's 24/7 emergency dispatch center. A trained professional speaks with them and assesses the situation, contacting emergency services if needed.
One of Life Alert's key products, the Micro Voice Pendant, includes a built-in speaker, is waterproof, and never needs charging. Many similar devices on the market require frequent charging and can lose power over time, making them unreliable. The pendant also allows users to speak directly with dispatchers, so they don't need to be near a phone during an emergency.
Life Alert reports handling over two million emergency calls annually and responding to at least one life-threatening event every 11 minutes. These numbers highlight the importance of fast emergency response in preventing serious medical complications.
Helping Older Adults Stay Independent
For many older adults, living independently at home is a priority. A study by ACNielsen found that 87 percent of Life Alert users said having an emergency alert system helped them stay in their homes rather than moving to an assisted living facility. This is especially relevant as the U.S. Census Bureau predicts that by 2030, there will be more adults over 65 than children under 18.
According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), one in four Americans over 65 falls yearly, leading to more than 3 million emergency room visits. Falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults, and in many cases, people cannot reach a phone to call for help. A personal emergency response system can help reduce response time, which is crucial in treating serious injuries like broken bones or head trauma.
Training and Fast Response Make a Difference
Many companies offer medical alert services, but not all focus on professional training. Life Alert requires dispatchers to complete up to one year of specialized training to prepare them for real emergencies.
"We have designed a system that does more than just connect users to emergency services. Our dispatchers stay on the line, keeping the caller calm and helping them until responders arrive," said a spokesperson.
The dispatch center follows strict protocols to handle every emergency quickly and correctly. Unlike some companies that outsource their emergency calls to third-party call centers, Life Alert manages its own dispatch operations. This direct control can significantly affect response times and service quality.
Advancing Technology in Emergency Response
More people are looking for different types of wearable devices and gadgets, AI-powered health monitoring, and smart home integration.
Despite new gadgets coming to the market, Life Alert remains the most trusted brand in the industry due to their incomparable, cutting-edge equipment, technical service support, and their Five Diamond award-winning dispatch center. Moreover, they were given the CUSTOMERS LOVE US award by Best Company due to all the positive reviews they received. The company reports having tens of thousands of subscribers and over 45,500 testimonials from users who say the service saved their lives.
Customer reviews show strong trust in the company. Life Alert has 5-star ratings on Consumer Affairs, 4.9 stars on Google, and 4.8 stars on TrustPilot. While some competitors focus on adding features like smartphone apps, Life Alert prioritizes trained dispatchers and reliable equipment that never needs charging.
Emergency Response Standards and Reliability
As the demand for personal emergency response services grows, reliability has become a defining factor. Quick response times and effective communication with emergency personnel can be the difference between minor injuries and life-threatening situations.
"Our goal is to continue leading this industry with a service that prioritizes safety, efficiency, and the ability to protect lives," said a spokesperson.
With a dedicated emergency dispatch center, Life Alert maintains full control over its operations, ensuring that calls are answered promptly. Companies that focus on immediate response, dependable service, and highly trained staff are setting the standard for emergency alerts.
