The Vital-Link Guy's View of the Medical Alert Industry

The Vial of Life

2005-09-09T14:07:00.000-11:00

During an emergency it can sometimes be difficult for emergency medical technicians or paramedics to get the necessary information they need to deliver proper care in a quick and convenient manner. Important details may not be readily available or remain unknown as a result of the confusion that can result or if the patient is unable to speak to the emergency medical technicians.
Because of the possibility of this type of situation, Vital-Link is a proud sponsor of the Vial of Life program. The “Vial of Life” is a small packet that contains a form that lists you or your loved one’s relevant personal medical history information including any current health problems, medications being taken, a photostat of you or your loved one’s last EKG, a living will (if one exists), and any “do not resuscitate” or DNR documentation (if you so choose). The “Vial” is then stored on your refrigerator and marked with the “Vial of Life” sticker. Another sticker is placed on your front door so that emergency medical personnel are aware that the “Vial” exists and they can retrieve it for complete medical information.
For more information regarding the "Vial of Life" program, please feel free to contact a Vital-Link representative who can go over any specific questions that you may have at(800)-338-4825.

Can I speak into the button?

2005-08-09T17:32:00.000-11:00

This is a common question that we get and the answer is.....NO! For those not familiar with these types of systems, the button is only one part of the system. It's function is ONLY to activate the other device which is a small console that plugs into an existing telephone jack. This console is where the voice communication is attempted. You may then ask...Well, what good is that if I'm not near the unit.

Good question!

With our systems if we can not verbally communicate with the customer whether because they are not near the unit, or because there is a television on and we cannot hear them, or they are in the shower, or even yet they are hurt we will then disconnect from the unit and then call the residence.

Why?

The most important reason is because we want to be absolutely sure that help is necessary. We've found over the years that more than half the time that the button is pushed it is NOT an emergency rather it is a false activation. So we want to be absolutely sure that help is necessary. If no one answers the phone we know that it's time to resort to the customers response plan.

So....Back to the original question.....Can you speak into the button? Again....You cannot and if you think about it...Does it matter? Personally I don't think so because once the unit is activated by the button and even if I can't communicate with our monitoring center through the console.....I know the help process has started and help is on the way if needed......Which is what these systems are for to begin with....Getting help at the push of a button...

Test...Test...and oh yes...Go ahead and test again

2005-07-06T11:20:00.000-11:00

Testing your system is important for a number of different reasons but really the most important one is to let you know we are there all of the time. Seven days a week, 365 days a year. Never call us to tell us you're testing (unless you need assistance with the test), because if you think about it...it wouldn't be a test. We recommend running a full system test at least once a month but of course you may run one whenever you feel like it. We even have customers who run tests a few times a day every day. It doesn't matter to us because that's what we are here for. To answer the call for service if needed. Also, if it's not mentioned on the website, there is never a charge for pressing the button whether in an emergency or by accident. So test, test, and oh yes....Go ahead and test again....

Vital-Link is about choice...

2005-06-23T09:26:00.000-11:00

Tell us what you are looking for and we will try and grant your wishes. Vital-Link is one of the few companies that offers different types of consoles that are specifically tailored for different environments (ranch homes, apartments, condos, three level homes). You tell us about the home, we tell you about the different consoles and their limitations and capabilities, and then you make the choice of the console that you feel would be best for the subscriber. The nice part about this is that all of the consoles are the same great low price!
Another choice you get to make is the plan or course of action you want us to take in the event that the subscriber is unable to communicate with us. You create the plan that works best for you and your family. We could call friends and family and then contact 911 only as a last resort, or vice versa, or a combination of both. You make the choice!
Lastly, a choice of transmitters or buttons. We have a necklace style or wristband style button. You choose the button that you feel comfortable with.
It's all about choice! These are only a few that come to mind. Give us a call and talk to us about the different choices you have. It can't hurt and we don't bite. (800)-338-4825

Hmm...Which company should I choose?

2005-06-16T09:51:00.000-11:00

Good question! The answer could be a difficult one as you do your research. There are several factors that you personally will base your decision on. But the bottom line usually is who you feel is best to take care of either yourself or your loved one. When you are calling the different companies, you'll be able to tell who the good ones are and who the bad ones are. Just be patient, ask the questions that you are most concerned about....and if they are a true and an honest company, then they will be straightforward with you. There will be nothing hidden and no surprises later. If you are comfortable with the company that you are talking to...then they are usually the right choice. So shop around and good luck!

Installation is too harsh a word for these systems

2005-06-08T10:48:00.000-11:00

Over the years the simplicity of these systems has enabled us to cater to everyone across the country. What I mean by that is there is no installation or hard wiring involved. There simply is a plugging in of these types of systems (kind of like how an answering machine is plugged in). We at Vital-Link are able to walk our customers through this plugging in process over the phone as well as able to test the system initially with our customers when they first receive the system. We do it everyday. Don't get me wrong, there are those individuals who might need someone to come out and take care of that because they are physically unable to do it and have no family members that can help. That's ok. Unfortunately if these individuals are not within our area we would not be able to help them and would tell them to choose a local company in their area. We will actually attempt to locate a local company for them. The fact of the matter is that if you or the customer is physically able to plug these systems in on their own, then it can be done. All you have to do is listen and follow our directions. We are very patient individuals here. We'll get it right and if we can't, guess what....We'll give you a full refund....It's that simple!

Before I forget. For us to help you with this plug in process via the telephone....there is no charge. Something that you might want to consider is that is it necessary to pay someone an "installation" charge for something that can simply be plugged in.

Signal Range of the button...

2005-06-02T16:00:00.000-11:00

A common question that is asked regarding our systems is "the range" of the button. The systems that we offer have a signal range within 300 feet. However, if we told you that it would reach 300 feet, it would not be a lie but we feel it would be misleading. If we are asked, generally the buttons are reliable within 100-200 feet. What this means is that you can walk away from the console, with the button, up to 100-200 feet in any direction and we'll still receive a signal (The exact range we can determine when the unit is plugged in.).
Another question asked is why is the range so limited? Well, that's a good question. Buttons (or transmitters) have limited power and therefore limited range because they must comply with FCC Rules and Regulations as Part 15 devices. Our buttons (devices) comply with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Pricing Changes.....

2005-05-25T13:08:00.000-11:00

As we actively pay attention to the medical alarm industry and how the industry in general fluctuates, we recently decided to adjust our price structure to make it easier for potential customers to subscribe with us. There is now an initial payment of $60.00 which pays for the leasing of the equipment as well as the first two months of service. After that initial two months of service is met you are not under any obligation to continue at all. If you decide to discontinue service, simply send the equipment back to us and we will terminate the service. If you want to continue with the service....Here's the good part....We will reward you for staying with us by REDUCING YOUR MONITORING FEE to $25.00 per month for as long as you want to keep the service. This is just to say thank you for trusting us with the monitoring of you or your loved one. We felt this would help make your decision easier and make a little more sense to you, the customer

A Word Regarding DSL and VOIP...

2005-05-09T12:00:00.000-11:00

With new technology coming out every day, our company strives to let our customers know how this technology will effect the system and service we provide. Two technologies that are relatively new are DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) and VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol).

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)

DSL in a nutshell is high speed internet access using your existing phone line. This is a form of internet access that utilizes the phone line as opposed to cable or dial up services. When testing our equipment with DSL, the voice component becomes extremely unreliable, so we do not offer the Vital-Link voice activated systems to potential customers who have DSL. However Vital-Link offers a Non-Voice unit as an option. Since the Vital-Link Non-Voice unit does not utilize a microphone, we have not yet experienced unreliability with the function of this equipment for DSL subscribers.

VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)

VOIP in a nutshell utilizes the internet to place a phone call. Please be advised that none of our systems (or any of our good competitors) will work with VOIP. If you would use VOIP with our systems, the Vital-Link console will not be able to send a signal to our monitoring center when needed. In order to use our systems, you will need to have a regular phone line installed that bypasses this internet based phone technology.

The Health Fair...

2005-05-06T09:51:00.000-11:00

Yesterday I attended a Health Fair at a facility that we provide a pull cord system to their residents. Pull Cords are commonplace in Assisted Living Facilities, Nursing Homes, Hospitals, etc. The idea behind them is that if an individual needs help they simply pull the "Pull Cord" for assistance. The idea works well if you are within reach of the pull cord. But what if you are not? The Pull Cord system my company provides hooks up to a pull cord. An individual wears a small wireless transmitter button. If they are in need of help, they press the button that they are wearing, and it simply pulls the "Pull Cord" down for them. The range is usually reliable within 100 feet. Our systems have become exceedingly popular recently, especially in this facility that we provide them. We commonly hear stories that individuals lay on the floor for 6, 8, 10 hours at a time because they can't reach their pull cord. This system seems to do the trick! The individuals and residents were enthusiastic to see me and wished more residents would get one of these "Vital-Links", as they commonly referred it.

A good thing we did....

2005-04-29T04:08:00.000-11:00

Just recently our company did something unusual and good. We provided a medical alarm system to an individual who has seizures without warning. With our systems our customers have to actually press a button in order for us to get them help. In her circumstance she does not have warning so this system would not work for her. However, she has a dog that helps her with things that she needs. The service that provides the dog for her actually trained the dog to press a button on our system to get her help if needed. It is a nice story for someone who, if needed, can get help at a moments notice.