Which is better in an Emergency?

In today's digital age, smartphones have become indispensable tools for communication, entertainment, and even safety. But when it comes to emergency situations, is a smartphone truly the best option? Let's delve into the unique benefits of the SOS Personal Alarm, especially when compared to a traditional smartphone.

1. Instantaneous Alert

The primary advantage of the SOS Personal Alarm is its one-button emergency alert system. In emergencies, every second counts. Unlocking a smartphone, searching for a contact, and making a call can take valuable time—time you might not have. With our pendant, one push of a button immediately notifies four emergency contacts, minimizing response time.

2. Wearable & Hands-Free

The wearable nature of the pendant offers accessibility that a smartphone can't match. Consider scenarios where you might have fallen or can't reach your phone. With the SOS pendant hanging around your neck or wrist, help is always within an arm's reach.

3. Durability

Accidents happen. Phones drop, screens crack, and sometimes, they get waterlogged. The SOS pendant, however, is built for durability, resisting both falls and potential water damage. The SOS pendant can even be worn in the shower.

4. Fall Detection Mechanism

One of the standout features of our pendant is its advanced fall detection system. Especially valuable for the elderly or those with medical conditions, this feature automatically sends an alert if the wearer falls, even if they can't press the button themselves.

5. Ease-of-use in an Emergency

Smartphones, while versatile, often lack a dedicated SOS button, making emergency communications potentially complicated during critical moments. Consider the iPhone: In an emergency situation, a user has to remember to hold a side button in conjunction with a volume button for several seconds until the "slide to turn off" screen appears. Following this, they must either use the SOS slider or persist in holding the side and volume buttons until a countdown commences. Only after these series of steps will the device call 000 (emergency services). Once the call concludes, the iPhone will send an SMS to any designated emergency contacts—but only if they have been set up within the Emergency SOS iPhone app.

In contrast, the SOS personal alarm is simplicity embodied. With its dedicated SOS button, one quick press initiates a call to four pre-programmed emergency contacts. And, unlike the iPhone which restricts calls to 000, the SOS personal alarm offers customization. Using the CareXact app, users can configure the device to call a sequence of emergency numbers of their choosing, including 000. Additionally, the alarm can be set up to send an SMS, including the device's location, to any of those emergency contacts.

But how does a smartphone fare during a fall? Later iPhone models when coupled with a series 4 or later Apple Watch come equipped with fall detection. When activated and a fall is detected, if the user is still moving the user must acknowledge the event; then the device will call 000 and, only after that call ends, send an SMS to emergency contacts. If the device detects the user is not moving, it will automatically call 000. We believe this system has inherent risks. Imagine an individual falling in the shower and becoming unconscious or disorientated but still moving slightly. The device will not notify any emergency contacts, leaving the person vulnerable.

The SOS personal alarm offers a more immediate and reliable response. Upon detecting a fall, it instantaneously commences calling the four pre-programmed emergency contacts and sends an SMS alert. Even if none of the contacts answer, the SOS pendant will persist, cycling through each number in sequence up to three times, ensuring maximum effort to reach someone who can help.

6. Benefits for Specific Populations

Certain demographics can benefit significantly from the SOS Personal Alarm:

Elderly Individuals: For those who might not always have a phone handy or find its functionalities overwhelming, the straightforward nature of the pendant is invaluable.
People with Disabilities: The pendant's design and functionality are particularly advantageous for individuals with disabilities. For those with mobility issues, cognitive impairments, or other challenges, navigating the complexities of a smartphone during an emergency can be daunting. The SOS Personal Alarm, with its one-button design, offers a direct line to help without the layers of complexity a smartphone might present. Its wearability ensures it remains within reach, and the simplicity offers peace of mind that assistance is just a button press away.
Workers in Hazardous Environments: For professionals working in potentially dangerous settings, alone, or where falls are a frequent risk, the SOS pendant becomes an indispensable safety tool. Unlike conventional smartphones with fragile screens prone to cracking, our device is ruggedly designed with no screen to break and is water resistant. This durability ensures that those in demanding occupational environments, from construction sites to warehouses, can rely on the pendant as a steadfast safety companion.
Children: In an age of constant digital distractions and concerns over screen time, the SOS pendant provides parents a way to ensure their children's safety without exposing them to the ceaseless notifications and potential dangers of social media on smartphones.

Conclusion

While smartphones have revolutionized communication, they aren't always the most efficient or reliable tools in emergencies. The SOS Personal Alarm, with its easy to use design and features like fall detection, offers a specialized solution that prioritizes immediate safety and rapid response.

For those seeking peace of mind for themselves or their loved ones, it's worth considering the unique advantages the SOS pendant brings to the table.

Personal Alarm vs Phone