Emergency call
Under emergency call (also: Rufhilfe , home emergency (Austria), emergency call system (Switzerland), senior alarm , senior emergency ) refers to a system based on telephone technology system that facilitates standalone old or disabled persons, uncomplicated automatically in an emergency and request assistance directly . This enables those affected to live longer in their home and still have the security of not having to do without quick help if necessary. The alarm is usually triggered by a portable emergency call transmitter, but it can also be a sensor that reacts to a fall. According to theBundesverband Hausnotruf , there were providers in around 350 German cities in 2006 who are connected to one of the around 180 call centers . This supplied around 350,000 users. In Switzerland, estimates assume that around 50,000 emergency call devices are in use.
technology
The call assistance system consists of
- an emergency call transmitter , which is worn like a wristwatch on the wrist or as a medallion around the neck and is provided with a button as a trigger for establishing a call. This part of the device is also called a radio finger .
and
- a base station that is connected to the phone and contains an extremely sensitive speakerphone.
The devices are designed in such a way that existing telephone calls or connections are interrupted and an emergency call can be made immediately and automatically via the device (activation via the base station). Previously programmed telephone numbers are dialed in a defined order.
In addition to the manual button (emergency call transmitter), there are now various other types of triggering (drop sensor, smoke detector, motion detector). The hands-free facility ensures that the person who has fallen away from the base unit can speak to the other party (relatives, emergency call center) without a telephone receiver or mobile phone.
A large number of devices are available that can be connected via analog connections , digital ISDN connections or broadband connections . The devices enable a high level of security, as they function via rechargeable batteries even in the event of a power failure. There are also devices with an integrated GSM module that work independently of a landline connection.
restrictions
Since many telecommunications providers have switched to offering fixed network connections no longer using circuit-switched technology, in which the connection is supplied with power from the exchange (external power supply), but instead using IP- based NGN technology, the fail-safe operation of emergency call systems on these connections is only limited possible, provided the end device is supported by the NGN connection. In this case, a GSM extension module can usually be used for protection, which sets up the emergency call via the cellular network.
In Germany, the Malteser Hilfsdienst , the German Red Cross , the Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund , the Diakonie , and the Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe meanwhile also offer the house emergency call for Voice-over-IP telephone connections.
functionality
Active call for help
In an emergency, for example after a fall or in the event of sudden complaints, the user can call for help simply by pressing the emergency button without having to reach the phone.
An emergency call is then received in the control center of the on-call assistance operator (in Austria mostly rescue organizations and private security companies, in Germany aid organizations or private operators, in Switzerland aid organizations and private providers) and the data of the person concerned (address, previous illnesses, relatives) are recorded displayed.
Thanks to the hands-free facility in the base station, the call assistance operator can speak to the user to clarify the type and severity of the emergency and to discuss further measures.
Depending on the organization of the service and the type of assistance required, relatives or neighbors can now be informed. If no trusted person can be reached at short notice, many home emergency call providers call their own on-call service. If necessary, nursing services or family doctor etc. are also notified or the emergency services are alerted. Depending on the provider, the system is not only intended for emergencies, but is also used to conveniently call shopping or cleaning help at the push of a button.
As a rule, a key is stored with the home emergency call operator or with a neighbor so that the apartment can be entered even if the resident cannot open it himself. The keys are kept in a safe and are only marked with numbers so that they cannot be misused.
Passive cry for help
In addition to this “active alarm”, there is also the option of a “passive alarm” (also known as a “safety watch”), based on the principle of a so-called dead man's device : There is a button on the base station that is pressed regularly by the user. He confirms that he is fine. If this confirmation is missing for a longer period of time (usually around 24 hours), you will be contacted by phone or (especially if the contact is not made) in the apartment to see whether everything is in order.
Emergency calls in international comparison
Emergency call in Germany
The home emergency call system was conceived and developed in the early 1970s by Wilhelm Hormann, with the aim of creating new, comprehensive structures in outpatient and inpatient care and care for the sick, elderly, single and disabled people. The term home emergency call in its original form is therefore to be seen more comprehensively, ie including the transmission of biomedical data and social communication, and should not be limited to the elderly alarm. This is set out in detail in the relevant research report on the home emergency number.
The technical implementation was carried out with the help of AEG - Telefunken Backnang GmbH and was presented to the international public in spring 1980. The home emergency number was awarded the Frankfurt Innovation Prize of the German Economy of the Rhein Main e. V. in Frankfurt / Main.
The German Telekom and the German Red Cross in the fall of 2012. MEDICA introduced a new technology in a watch that works outside the home.
Emergency call in Switzerland
Five types of device dominate the Swiss market (stationary home emergency call device, mobile home emergency call device, landline telephone, cell phone and watch). The stationary home emergency call device is characterized by its simple operation, but is not suitable for people who are often on the move.
Most devices work with a radio transmitter. This is usually a button that is worn around the wrist or neck. If the elderly person falls, they can request help at the push of a button. Depending on the provider, the device dials preprogrammed numbers or connects to an emergency call center.
In 1983 the emergency call system was first used in Switzerland by the Swiss Red Cross , at that time the Red Cross sections of Zurich and Basel offered 20 devices. The emergency call has been implemented and further developed at national level since 1991. In 2013, the Swiss Red Cross took over Curena and had its own emergency call center. At the national level, the SRK is the largest provider of emergency call systems, followed by SmartLife Care, a joint venture between Swisscom and Helvetia Insurance . In addition, there are regional and cantonal providers such as private companies and nonprofit organizations.
Today it is estimated that up to 50,000 devices are in use.
financing
If there are several providers in a region, price comparisons should be made before the contract is concluded, based on identical and typical usage behavior, as the calculations can sometimes be quite different depending on the region and provider.
Basic charge
First of all, one-off fees may be charged for setting up the system. However, some of these costs are included in the monthly basic fee, which is charged for the rental of equipment and the willingness to accept and forward calls.
Deployment costs
In addition, there may be costs per assignment (home visit), which include the journey with the apartment key and assistance (for example when getting up and possible transport to the doctor's practice) or the like. include. These costs differ depending on the qualifications of the personnel to be deployed, their vehicles, travel time and the cost structure of the provider. Sometimes the deployment costs are also included in the basic fee.
In addition, the telephone costs to the call center are incurred (for emergency calls, but also when pressing the passive button and automatically established connections such as daily connection tests etc.).
Reimbursement
If hospitalization can be avoided through this system and it is ensured that people can stay in their familiar surroundings, health insurance companies can contribute to the costs. Since the home emergency number is a recognized aid for people in need of care, it is possible that the long-term care insurance or the social welfare office will cover the costs.
See also
- Senior telephone
- Mobile emergency call , protection against wandering as part of a nurse call system
- Assault alarm system (mechanical, electronic), fire alarm system
- Temex
literature
- Benjamin Homberg: Self-determined, but not alone? Dortmund social scientist examines home emergency services. Press office of the University of Dortmund.
- Wilhelm Hormann: house emergency call . Research report April 1, 1979 to December 31, 1982
- Analysis of the introduction of the emergency call - target group analysis 1975/2006 - determination of the optimal hospital size - networking of the emergency call and hospital
- Clemens Adam: Home emergency services in North Rhine-Westphalia . 1995
- Michael Schnepel: Social Call Center - networked services in 24-hour service . 2001
- Elisabeth Wetzel, Jürgen Constien: Home emergency calls enable more security at home . In: Pro Alter 01/2002, Kuratorium Deutsche Altershilfe , Cologne
- Mario Wüthrich: Emergency Call System - Lifestyle . Influence of the use of the Red Cross emergency number on lifestyle, 2012.
- The focus is on people . Tips and suggestions for dealing with customers of the Red Cross emergency call system and their relatives, 2008.
- Social gerontological theories of old age and images of old age, related to the Red Cross emergency call service . 2008.
Web links
Individual evidence
- ↑ Emergency telephones partly unsuitable and overpriced , SRF
- ↑ Video news from Medica (November 15, 2012) in the ZDFmediathek , accessed on November 23, 2012. (offline)
- ↑ srf.ch