Medical Alert Systems In Livingston (What To Know)

LIVINGSTON, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the Township of Livingston. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

During National Medical Alert Month in August — and all year round — the Livingston Health Department encourages residents to explore the types of medical alert systems available and select the ones that will best meet their needs. There are various types of medical alert systems that can call for help in the event of an emergency, identify a health condition to others, and more.

Medical alerts can be lifesaving in the event of an emergency when a person cannot speak or get to a phone to call for help. People who have diabetes, heart conditions, severe allergies, dementia, seizure disorders, and other medical conditions may benefit from having a medical alert. An alert system might also be valuable for adults and children who take certain or multiple medications.

Medical IDs or Tags

A medical ID or tag is typically worn in the form of a bracelet or necklace and can be engraved with the wearer’s medical condition(s), medications carried at all times, and emergency contact.

The medical ID informs those providing first aid or medical care of the person’s medical condition. Medical IDs also reduce the risk of medical errors in treatment and can prevent the wearer from receiving medications that could result in an adverse reaction.

Medical Call Alert

A medical call alert device can also be worn as a necklace or a bracelet. At the push of a button, a medical call alert device can call 911 if the wearer needs help but cannot get to a phone.

Different medical call alert devices can contact 911, call a family member in an emergency, or even detect if someone has fallen and needs help. Some are even equipped with GPS technology that can determine the exact location of the wearer. Individuals who have medical conditions, live alone, or spend time alone at home may want to consider a medical call alert device.

File of Life Program

The Livingston Health Department offers File of Life program packets at no cost. They can be picked up at the Nursing/Health Education office in the Livingston Senior/Community Center, lower level, at 204 Hillside Avenue in Livingston.

The File of Life program packet contains a form that can be filled in with necessary medical information, which allows medical emergency workers to begin immediate treatment in a home emergency.

The File of Life packet includes space to list allergies, medications, medical conditions, emergency contacts, and medical insurance. It is important to keep the form up to date. Residents can get a new form from the Nursing/Health Education office if needed.

The packet is in the form of a red magnet, which should be placed on the top portion of the refrigerator. First responders know to look for the File of Life in the event of an emergency.

Emergency & Police Alerts

Livingston utilizes the Rave Alert/Smart911 Emergency Notification System to reach members of the community. However, in order to receive these critical messages, residents must register themselves and their family members.

Severe weather, criminal activity, missing persons, severe traffic, or important local events are just a few examples of situations in which residents need critical, accurate information as quickly as possible. Residents will receive phone calls, emails, and text messages advising them of urgent situations.

Register now to be sure you receive critical information in the case of an emergency by visiting livingstonnj.org/RaveSmart911.

Learn More

If you are interested in obtaining a medical alert system, ask your local pharmacist or physician about the products and services available. Additional information can be found online and in medical and health-related publications.

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