Author: taldr

One Button or Three Numbers
Seeking Help at the Push of a Button(s)
One in three seniors over the age of 65 will fall this year. Do you or someone you know or care for wear a medical alert pendant such as Lifeline? The pendant could be worn on a necklace that you can press for help if the need arises. If so, below are some helpful tips and vital information for you to receive the response you need in the minimal amount of time.
If you are unable to call 911 by phone and need medical or another type of assistance, absolutely, press the button on the medical alert pendant if you have one.
If a caregiver or friend is calling for you and they can get to a telephone, always call 911. When you press those three numbers (911) from a standard landline telephone the Telecommunicator views the following things on the screen: the phone number you are calling from, the name associated with that number, and the address you are calling from. In this case all the Telecommunicator needs to do is confirm the information and the nature of the emergency. They can then immediately dispatch the appropriate responders to your address.
If you have a medical alert pendant and are not able to call 911 by telephone, do as instructed by your medical alert supplier. If possible call 911 from your home telephone. Using a cell phone can make tracing and entering your call more difficult. Always remember to cooperate and stay as calm as possible so the Telecommunicator can help in your time of need. If you are talking too fast or in a mode of panic, it will take the Telecommunicator longer to gather necessary information. Advise the Telecommunicator your location, describe the emergency, answer all the Telecommunicator’s questions, and follow instructions.
Other Programs offered to you by the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office:
Are You Okay? A Telephone reassurance program. The “Are You Okay” (RUOK) program is designed to check on seniors and help them and their family to have peace of mind. This program was implemented in 1990 with the purpose of checking on seniors. This system is for any Rutherford County Citizen that is living alone and shows a need for the program. There are no charges for Are You Okay. This is a donation driven program.
For more information contact: Lt. Leon Godlock 828-287-6247
Project Lifesaver International: Project Lifesaver is an innovative rapid response program aiding victim’s and families suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or related disorders such as down syndrome or autism. Project Lifesaver deploys a specially trained team with the most reliable technology available to quickly locate and return wandering adults and children to their families and caregivers.
For more information contact: Detective Justin McCluney 828-287-6247

Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office—Sheriff Chris Francis

Written by: Lt. Tammy Aldridge, 911 Director