Panic Alarms: How It Works
Think of a panic alarm as your personal safety button. Press it, and support is on the way. The device sends an alert instantly, along with your location, to the people who can help you fastest — whether that’s our monitoring team, your family, carers or emergency services. No searching for a phone. No delay. Just one button that does everything you need in a stressful moment.
How The SOS Alert Process Works
When you press the SOS button, the alarm begins working within seconds. Your device immediately starts contacting the people you’ve set up, family members, carers or a monitoring team and shares your exact GPS location at the same time. There’s no guessing about where you are or what’s happening.
The device keeps trying until someone answers, moving down your emergency contact list if needed. If your model supports two-way communication, you can speak directly through the device without reaching for your phone or shouting for help. Everything is designed to work even when you’re stressed, hurt or unable to move easily.
The Basic Parts Of A Panic Alarm System
A panic alarm system really has just two main parts: the wearable alarm and the communication network behind it.
You can wear the device as a pendant, watch or clip-on. When the SOS button is pressed, your chosen contacts are notified straight away. Modern alarms use mobile networks rather than old landline base units, which means they work anywhere there is signal, at home, outdoors, at work or on the move.
This makes them ideal for older adults living independently, people who spend time alone, and workers in roles where quick access to help is essential.
Advanced Features
GPS Location Tracking And Geofencing
GPS tracking shows your exact location when you need help, so responders or family members can reach you quickly, whether you’re at home, at work or somewhere unfamiliar.
Geofencing allows you to set safe zones, such as your home or neighbourhood. If the device moves outside this area, your emergency contacts receive an alert automatically.
It provides added reassurance for families supporting someone who may become disoriented or for lone workers who travel between sites.
Health Monitoring Features
Many modern safety watches include built-in health monitoring. They can track heart rate, oxygen levels, temperature and other important signs throughout the day.
This information helps responders understand your situation more clearly when you call for help.
These sensors provide real-time readings that support faster, more informed decisions during emergencies. It’s an extra layer of safety for people with medical conditions or anyone who wants to keep an eye on their wellbeing.
Fall Detection Technology
Fall detection uses motion sensors to recognise sudden drops or abnormal movement patterns. The device can tell the difference between bending down and a genuine fall.
If it detects a significant fall and you do not press the button, it sends an alert automatically. This is especially important if you are unconscious, hurt or unable to reach the device. Help is sent even when you can’t ask for it yourself.
Technical Details
Battery Life And Power Management
Most devices last around 24 hours on a full charge. Simply place the watch or pendant on its charger overnight, just like your phone. The device shows how much battery is left and reminds you when it needs charging so you’re never caught out.
Wireless Connectivity
Panic alarms use mobile networks such as 4G, giving you coverage in most areas without needing WiFi or a home base unit. If you’re out working, travelling or simply away from home, your SOS alerts still go through as long as there is mobile signal.
Durability And Design
The devices are built to handle real life, splashes, rain, handwashing and daily movement. The design is tough enough for active users, lone workers and anyone who needs reliable protection every day.
Setup And Configuration
Getting started is straightforward. You download the app, add your emergency contacts and choose who should be notified first. The app walks you through enabling GPS tracking and setting up geofencing zones if you want them.
Your contacts are stored inside the device itself, so alerts still work even if your phone is not with you. It’s always a good idea to do a quick test alert before relying on it day-to-day.
Communication Features
Your device isn’t only for emergencies. Many panic alarms let you make normal phone calls directly from the watch or pendant. The speaker and microphone are designed so you don’t need to hold anything to your ear.
Some devices also support video calling. Families can check in visually, and in emergencies it lets your contacts see what’s happening so they can respond more effectively. It adds another layer of clarity when every second matters.
Real Stories, Real Peace of Mind
User Experiences With Medi Alarm 247
Hear directly from our customers how Medi Alarm 247 devices have enhanced their safety and confidence in daily life.
Confidence When Working Alone
"I work as a property inspector and spend most of my day alone in empty buildings. Having the panic alarm watch gives me confidence that help is just a button press away. The GPS tracking means my wife always knows where I am, which puts both our minds at ease."
James T - Property Inspector
Peace of Mind for Families and Carers
"My father has dementia and sometimes wanders off. The geofencing feature alerts me immediately if he leaves the house. Last month when he went for a walk and got confused, I could see his exact location on my phone and found him within minutes. This watch has been a lifesaver."
Sarah M - Daughter & Carer
Immediate Support When Falls Happen
"I had a fall in my bathroom three weeks after getting the watch. I hit my head and was dazed for a moment. The fall detection kicked in automatically and called my daughter before I even realised what happened. She was on her way within seconds. I didn't have to do anything, the watch did it all for me."
Margaret R - Retired Teacher
Safety and Communication for Frontline Workers
"As a community nurse visiting patients in their homes, I'm often in unfamiliar areas. The two-way calling feature is brilliant—I can check in with my supervisor without fumbling for my phone. The video call function also helps when I need quick medical advice from a colleague whilst I'm with a patient."
David K - Community Healthcare Nurse
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know
How long does it take for emergency contacts to receive my alert?
It's instant. Press the button and your contacts get pinged within seconds—phone call, text, app notification, whatever you've set up. They get your GPS location at the same time. No waiting about. You'll be talking to someone within moments of pressing that button.

How many emergency contacts can I programme into my panic alarm watch?
Most watches let you add between 3 and 10 contacts. The watch rings them in the order you choose until someone picks up. You can change these contacts whenever you like through the app. They're stored in the watch itself, so it works even when your phone's not nearby.

Do panic alarm watches work internationally or only in my country?
Depends on the mobile networks the watch uses. Most work fine anywhere in your own country where there's signal. Going abroad? You'll need to check if it works there. Different models handle international roaming differently. Worth asking before you travel.

What is geofencing and how does it work with panic alarms?
Geofencing draws invisible lines around places like your home or workplace. Cross those lines and the system tells your contacts—by text or email. Means people can keep an eye on movements without constant phone calls. Really helpful for folks with dementia who might wander, or families wanting that extra bit of reassurance.

Can multiple people in my household each have their own panic alarm?
Absolutely. Each person gets their own watch or pendant with their own setup and contacts. Some companies do multi-user plans for families. Each device works on its own—they won't mess with each other or cause interference.

How waterproof are panic alarm watches?
Varies quite a bit. Some handle splashes and handwashing fine. Others you can wear in the shower or bath. The proper waterproof ones can go under water up to a metre deep for half an hour. Check what yours can handle before dunking it. They're not really meant for swimming though.

