It´s a lifesaver: A case study in emergency communication technology

A case study in emergency communication technology is presented. In the system described, each subscriber (handicapped or elderly person) has a small remote transmitter which he or she carries on the wrist or around the neck as a necklace. If an emergency occurs, the subscriber pushes the transmitter button, which triggers the `home communicator´. This microcomputer sends a `help´ message over the telephone line to an Emergency Response Center (ERC), which is usually the emergency desk of a hospital. The essential elements of the system and the technical problems are discussed.