Medical alert systems have been helping seniors maintain an independent lifestyle for more than 30 years. You can intimate the company’s service representatives with the push of a button. They will contact the emergency services for you. Many newer alert systems have a built-in carbon monoxide monitoring feature as well.
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that is found naturally in the atmosphere. Your body produces the gas during normal metabolism in low quantities. Burning of fossil fuels and wood leads to production of large amounts of carbon monoxide. Household sources of carbon monoxide include lanterns, small gasoline engines, stoves, gas ranges and heating systems.
While low levels of the gas in the surrounding environment do not impact humans in any way, higher concentrations lead to symptoms such as headache, dizziness, disorientation and lack of consciousness. Inhalation of carbon monoxide in confined spaces causes asphyxiation, or difficulty in breathing, and choking. Many patients also experience fatigue and increased heart rate but these symptoms overlap with other conditions so diagnosing carbon monoxide poisoning is difficult.
Carbon Monoxide Exposure in Seniors
The elderly are more susceptible to carbon monoxide than the rest of the population. Their lungs lose efficiency over the years and are unable to exhale the poisonous gasses effectively. Lower oxygen levels in the blood may also increase the risk.
Experts also believe that seniors are at a greater risk of exposure. They may park their car in the garage and forget to turn it off. The gasses from the exhaust may enter the house and increase carbon monoxide levels in the confined environment. You should also remember that carbon monoxide is an odorless gas. Most seniors do not detect its presence until it is very late.
Importance of Carbon Monoxide Detection
Systems with built-in monitors can detect unhealthy levels of carbon monoxide in your surrounding environment and help save lives. Prompt treatment and support can make a big difference. Recent statistics reveal that mortality rate is higher in seniors who lay waiting for help for more than 12 hours when compared to those who receive immediate help.
How does Carbon Monoxide Detection Work?
Carbon monoxide detectors contain sensors that measure the concentration of the gas in the atmosphere. When the levels of the gas exceed a certain threshold and the surrounding environment gets toxic, the system immediately alerts the service representative. Many elderly people feel dizzy due to the gas and may even become unconscious. They may lack the ability to call for an ambulance or a firefighter. The built-in carbon monoxide detector can make a difference between life and death and ensure that help reaches in you in minutes.
Popular Choices
Bay Alarm Medical and Life Alert are some of the popular companies that include carbon monoxide detectors in their medical alert systems. All of them provide water-resistant pendant and bracelet along with a base station. The equipment works in 1,000 feet radius and allows two-way communication.
Bay Alarm Medical and Alert 1 Medical Alert System provide voice extenders and do not require long-term contracts. They do not have any activation or cancellation fee. All companies offer 24/7 monitoring and free equipment delivery.
A good medical alert system with carbon monoxide detector offers peace of mind to you and your ones. Take your time to choose one carefully.