LIFELINE

Western Baptist Hospital sponsors the LIFELINE program for elderly or disabled persons who are often alone, but wish to remain independent. LIFELINE is a personal emergency response system designed for home use which makes sure help is available at the touch of a button 24 hours a day.

Supported by the Western Baptist Hospital Auxiliary, LIFELINE enables you to continue living your life the way you're most comfortable --- at home, on your own, without fear of becoming a burden to the people you love.

How Does LIFELINE Work?

LIFELINE subscribers wear a small, wireless "HELP" button around their necks, on their wrist or clipped to their clothing. When a subscriber needs help, he or she pushes the "HELP" button. The "HELP" button triggers the home unit, attached to the telephone, which automatically dials Western Baptist Hospital's Emergency Response Center.

At the Emergency Response Center, a trained staff person will:

• immediately try to reach the subscriber by telephone to learn what help is needed; and
• send a previously identified responder (a relative, friend or neighbor) to help. If the subscriber can't be reached by telephone, an emergency unit is sent.

After arrival at the subscriber's home, the responder notifies the hospital by resetting the home unit. The hospital then calls to determine if additional assistance is needed. If medical help is needed, an ambulance is sent to the home.

Another special feature of LIFELINE is a timer which is reset automatically each time the subscriber uses the phone. After 12 or 24 hours, if no phone calls have been made and the unit has not been manually reset, an emergency signal is sent. LIFELINE goes into action even if the subscriber is unconscious or unable to push the button for help.

Where Is LIFELINE Available?

Western Baptist Hospital's LIFELINE program serves a 35 to 50 mile radius around the hospital. This area includes Paducah, Mayfield, Murray, Fulton, Hickman, Wickcliffe, Benton, Smithland, Eddyville, Metropolis, Vienna and Brookport.

Is Any Special Equipment Needed to Install LIFELINE?

The LIFELINE unit needs to be placed on a flat surface within six feet of an electrical outlet and four feet from a modular phone jack. A wall-mounted phone cannot be used. If there is more than one phone in the home, a special jack (RJ31X) is needed to allow the LIFELINE unit to seize the line should one of the phones be off the hook. Any telephone work needed to install LIFELINE must be done by your local telephone company.

When Should the "HELP" Button Be Worn?

Western Baptist Hospital recommends that subscribers wear their "HELP" buttons at all times, whether the subscriber is inside the home or outside in the yard. Because the "HELP" button is completely waterproof, it can even be worn in the shower or bath. Just remember that the button will only work within the range of the unit.

To Subscribe

For more information about Lifeline or to subscribe, call Western Baptist Hospital at (270) 575-2779.