Elderly and Alone, Can You Call for Help?

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Our loved ones are dear to us, especially our elderly relatives. One way we show we care is by making sure they are taken care of in case of an emergency. Most do this by ensuring they have a form of communication, either a cell phone or some sort of Life Alert button. Even if a cell phone is inactive, it is still able to call 911.

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This was the situation for a man in Iowa. Using his cell phone he placed a call to 911, unable to even speak, only moan in pain. The dispatcher Katie Neimants was eager to help, but her ability to help was made difficult because of the cell phone he was calling from. The cell phone wouldn’t map on the 911 GPS system because it was old and inactive. Thankfully another member of the community, Fire Captain Karl Harris, recognized the man’s voice. They found him just in time!

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Of course, a newer, active cell phone able to be tracked would be ideal, but If that is not within your means to provide for your elderly loved one, we can see from this experience that having a way to contact 911 in an emergency is still beneficial!

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Emergencies and accidents cannot be foreseen, but we can prepare for them. If a GPS traceable cell phone or Life Alert button is not something available to you, an inactive older model cell phone still provides a measure of safety, knowing 911 can be contacted.

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To get an emergency phone for yourself, friend, or family member, contact your local law enforcement and tell them to contact the 911 Cell Phone Bank.

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