Written by Xingyi Wu, Feb 2025:

Pros

• Accessibility: Provides multiple ways to contact services based on your communication needs.
• Priority Handling: Emergency calls through NRS are taken quickly to minimise delays.
• Portability: Mobile phones allow you to call for help from anywhere, whether you’re at home or outside.

Cons

• Wait Times for Relay Officers: You may need to wait for an available relay officer, which could cause delays.
• Technical Dependence: Internet or phone service issues can affect call quality or availability.
• User Familiarity: Not everyone may be comfortable navigating NRS services in high-stress situations.

You can also add emergency medical or contact information to your phone’s lock screen. This will help first responders if you are unconscious or cannot speak but be careful: It will also reveal the information to a phone thief.

If you’re worried about delays in high-pressure situations, having a faster, more direct method might be better. This is where emergency wearables come in.

For a simpler solution, emergency pendants or bracelets can connect to monitoring services that notify your chosen contacts. These tools are ideal for older adults, people with mobility challenges, or anyone who needs extra security in their daily life. You can read more about wearable emergency devices in the Department of Health – Personal Alert Victoria, or this guide from Healthline.

Pros

• Fast: Just press a button to contact help—no waiting for an operator or navigating apps.
• Always Accessible: Designed to be worn at all times, making it easy to access in emergencies.
• Fall Detection (Smartwatches): Some devices automatically call for help if they detect a fall and no response.
• Location Sharing: Smartwatches can provide real-time location data to emergency contacts.

Cons

• Wearability Issues: Many people forget to wear the device, especially those with dementia or memory loss.
• Limited Features: Pendants and bracelets may only provide basic alert services without captioning or two-way communication.
• Battery Dependency: Devices need regular charging, particularly smartwatches.
• Complexity: Smartwatches can be overwhelming for someone who is not tech-savvy.

If you or your loved one frequently forgets to wear these devices, having a backup communication device at home can provide additional security.

These backup solutions are especially helpful for those who may have hearing difficulties or rely on visual communication. When paired with other tools like mobile phones and wearables, they create a robust safety net to ensure you’re never without options in a crisis.

Pros

• Captioned Calls: Real-time captions make it easier for deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals to follow emergency conversations.
• Auto-Answer: The device can answer calls automatically, allowing caregivers to check in remotely.
• Customisable Emergency Contacts: You can program emergency buttons to call multiple contacts in priority order or in parallel.
• Ideal for Memory-Impaired Users: Auto-answer and programmable buttons are helpful for users who may forget steps in an emergency.

Cons

• Fixed Location: These devices are meant for home use and may not be helpful if you’re outside or away from the device.
• Initial Setup: Requires configuration, such as programming contacts and emergency settings, which may take some time. (Luckily at Konnekt, we do all the setup for you! Contact us to learn more.)
• Internet or Power Dependency: Like mobile phones, these devices rely on stable power and internet connections.

While videophones are excellent for home emergencies, it’s always better to have multiple communication options. No single method is foolproof—combining mobile phones, wearables, and backup devices ensures you’re prepared for any situation.