Wearable Devices

Some smart watches and other wearable technology may call 9-1-1 automatically if the wearer:

• Holds a button in on the device.

• Activates an application on the device.

• Suffers a hard fall or hits the device on a hard surface.

This can be a good thing, if the wearer actually needs 9-1-1 service. It can become a nuisance and drain on 9-1-1 resources, however, when it's a false alarm. Best practices for individuals using wearable technology include:

• Become knowledgeable about your wearable device's features and capabilities.

• Consider deactivating automated 9-1-1 calling feature if there is a strong chance of false alarms.

Press Release.

Wearable panic alarms, such as a pendant or some other device that you can wear and use to summon emergency help can be very helpful for some individuals. For best results, users of such devices need to be aware of how these devices work:

• All of these devices require charging or require batteries to operate. Ensure that your device is properly charged at all times.

• Some of these devices require an active subscription. Make sure you understand whether your device requires a monthly fee or not.

• Some devices relay your call to a private call center and some call 9-1-1 directly. Understand where your calls go if you activate your panic alarm.

• Devices that call 9-1-1 directly may or may not provide your location to the 9-1-1 center when you activate the panic alarm. Always be prepared to provide your location when you activate the alarm.

• Devices that require a base unit may have a limited range. Understand the limitations of your device.

There are different kinds of services that will call 9-1-1 automatically if you are in a car accident.

• Some services are built into the vehicle and can detect when the car has been involved in an accident. Emergency help is requested by making a phone call through a built-in cellular device in the vehicle.

• Some services use the car's sensors to detect when a crash has occurred, but make the call for emergency services through a Bluetooth connection with your phone.

• Some services are built into your smart phone, and can call 9-1-1 if it detects, through the phone's sensors that you have been involved in an accident.

Whether services are built-in or make the call through your phone, calls may either be relayed to a private call center which will then contact the local 9-1-1 center for your area after determining that emergency services are needed, or they may call 9-1-1 directly.

Either way, there are some things users of these services need to keep in mind:

• If you are in an area with no cell service, your vehicle or phone will not be able to reach emergency services.

• Location information is not always accurate. Be prepared to provide your location.