“I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up!”
This popular catchphrase actually originated in the 1980′s, from a television commercial for “LifeCall”. The commercial depicted an elderly woman, who fell in her bathroom and was unable to stand. She touches a “Medical Alert Pendant” around her neck, crying out to the emergency dispatcher who is on the line, “I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up!”.
This commercial quickly became a part of popular culture, and is still cited even to this day. The fact that the acting in the commercial was rather mediocre, as well as the cheesiness of the commercial’s catch phrase were both contributing factors to its popularity. Though LifeCall went out of business in 1990, another company (now known as Life Alert) picked up the phrase, making it their registered trademark.
In all seriousness, however, it is every homeowner’s nightmare to be unable to call for help inside their home. Though seniors are arguably the most at-risk for an incapacitating fall, there are other situations that may require an auto-dialing device. In home security situations, it can be very helpful to know that even if you aren’t able to make it to a phone, you will still be able to call for help. Here is a quick guide to auto-dialing devices, and how they are used for home security.
What is an Auto-Dialer?
An auto-dialer is an electronic device that connects to your phone line. In many cases, you can program emergency numbers into the device, and these numbers will be automatically dialed in the event that the dialer is triggered. While some auto-dialers are part of home security systems, others are used as wrist or necklace pendants for elderly people living at home.
Common Auto-Dialer Features
These are a few of the features that may be included with an auto-dialing device.
Custom Number Programming
Many devices allow you to program in your own emergency numbers to be automatically dialed in the event of an emergency. These numbers may include friends, family members, your doctor or emergency services (such as police or fire).
Smoke Detection
Some auto-dialing devices are triggered when they detect a high volume of smoke present in your home. This feature allows your house to be protected even when you’re not at home, and automatically “call for help” in the event of a fire.
Intercom Speaker
Depending on the auto-dialing device, it may also contain a speaker to broadcast the voice of the emergency staff member (or family member) on the other line. If you have been incapacitated, this can help you to follow instructions. These speakers may sometimes also be used to broadcast your own voice, if you need to give instructions or warnings to other members of your household.
Auditory Alarm
When combined with a home security system, many auto-dialing devices are paired with a loud, auditory alarm. This alarm may be triggered in the event of a burglar detection, smoke detection or simple activation of the auto-dialer.
Tamper-Alert
Some of the more high-tech auto-dialers also include a feature that lets you know when someone is tampering with the system. Some burglars may try to disable any alarms and systems in order to remain undetected, so this feature may be particularly useful.
Wireless Sensor Integration
Since many electronic devices today have wireless capabilities, auto-dialing devices are no exception. Some devices are able to sync with a variety of sensors that can be placed around the home. However, in many cases these sensors are only active when placed within a designated radius of the central device.
Original LifeCall Commercial
