How automatic fall detection works

 How Automatic Fall Detection Works

Automatic fall detection is included at no extra cost on all Holo Alert devices. It is enabled by default and is designed to help connect you with emergency support if the device detects a hard fall and you are unable to press the help button yourself.

Fall detection is an important safety feature, especially for people who live alone, are at higher risk of falling, or want added peace of mind while maintaining their independence.

What automatic fall detection does

Holo Alert devices use built-in sensors to help recognize movements that may indicate a fall. When the device detects a fall-like event, it can begin an alert process automatically, even if you do not press the help button.

This means that if you fall and cannot reach the button, cannot speak right away, or are disoriented, your device may still be able to connect you with the monitoring centre for help.

What happens when a fall is detected

When your Holo Alert device detects a possible fall, it follows a safety-first process.

A typical fall detection flow looks like this:

1. The device detects a fall-like event.
2. The device gives you a short opportunity to cancel the alert.
3. If the alert is not cancelled, the device connects to the 24/7 monitoring centre.
4. A monitoring centre operator speaks with you through the device.
5. The operator assesses the situation and coordinates help if needed.

The exact sound, vibration, or prompt may vary depending on the device model, but the purpose is the same: to give you a chance to cancel the alert if you are okay, while still allowing the device to connect with help if you do not respond.

How to cancel a fall alert

If your device detects a fall and you are okay, you may have a short window of about five seconds to press the button again to cancel the alert.

However, we generally recommend allowing the alert to connect and simply telling the operator that everything is okay.

There are no negative consequences for a false alarm. The monitoring centre is there to support you, and it is always better for an alert to be checked than for a real emergency to go unanswered.

What to do if the operator connects

If the device connects to the monitoring centre, speak clearly through the device and let the operator know what happened.

If you are okay, you can say something like:

“I’m okay. This was a false alarm.”

If you need help, tell the operator what happened and where you are, if you are able to speak.

If you cannot speak or the operator cannot confirm that you are okay, they will follow the response process connected to your account. This may include contacting emergency contacts or dispatching emergency assistance, depending on the situation and your account instructions.

You can always press the button yourself

Automatic fall detection is helpful, but it does not replace the help button.

If you fall, feel unwell, feel unsafe, or need assistance for any reason, press the help button if you are able to do so.

You do not need to wait for fall detection to activate. Pressing the button is always the most direct way to request help.

Examples of when to press the button include:

• You have fallen and need help getting up.
• You feel dizzy, weak, or unwell.
• You are having pain or discomfort.
• You feel unsafe.
• You are unsure whether you need help but want to speak with someone.
• You had a fall and the device did not automatically place an alert.

When in doubt, press the button.

Is fall detection guaranteed?

No. Automatic fall detection is not guaranteed.

While Holo Alert’s automatic fall detection is designed to be a helpful and reliable safety feature, no fall detection system can detect every fall in every situation.

This is why it is important to press the help button whenever you are able to do so.

Fall detection should be thought of as an added layer of protection, not a complete replacement for pressing the button.

Can false alerts happen?

Yes. False alerts can happen.

Sometimes a movement may be interpreted by the device as a possible fall. If that happens, you can either cancel the alert during the short cancellation window or let it connect and tell the operator that you are okay.

There are no penalties or negative consequences for false alarms. The monitoring centre is used to handling these situations, and your safety is always the priority.

How to wear your device for best fall detection performance

Wearing your device properly helps it work as intended.

Holo Pro pendant

The Holo Pro can be worn:

• Around the neck at approximately chest height
• On the provided clip

For best functionality, the Holo Pro should not be worn inside a pocket or underneath clothing.

Keeping the device properly positioned helps it detect movement more accurately and ensures that the microphone and speaker are easier to use if an alert is placed.

Holo Mini, Holo Active, and Holo Slim

The Holo Mini, Holo Active, and Holo Slim are wrist-based devices.

For best functionality, they should be worn snugly on the wrist. The device should be secure enough that it stays in place during normal movement, but still comfortable for daily wear.

A loose wrist device may not perform as intended.

Can automatic fall detection be turned off?

Yes, but automatic fall detection can only be turned off by the Holo Alert care team.

It cannot be turned off directly by the user through the device.

If you would like automatic fall detection turned off, please contact Holo Alert and our team can help with that request. We can also answer questions and help you understand what turning fall detection off may mean for your safety setup.

Who monitors fall detection alerts?

Fall detection alerts connect to a professional monitoring centre that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Holo Alert uses North American monitoring support for customers in Canada and the United States. We do not use overseas monitoring.

When an alert is placed, the operator will speak with you through the device and follow the response process connected to your account.

What happens if I cannot speak?

If an alert connects and the operator cannot hear you or cannot confirm that you are okay, they will follow the emergency response instructions on your account.

Depending on the situation, this may include contacting your emergency contacts or arranging emergency assistance.

This is one of the reasons it is important to keep your emergency contact information up to date.

What if I accidentally trigger fall detection?

That is okay.

If you accidentally trigger a fall alert, either cancel it by pressing the button again during the short cancellation window or let it connect and tell the operator that you are okay.

You will not be in trouble, and there are no negative consequences for letting the operator know it was a false alarm.

It is better for an alert to be checked than for a real emergency to be missed.

Important reminder

Automatic fall detection is a valuable safety feature, but it is not perfect and cannot guarantee that every fall will be detected.

If you need help and you are able to press the button, press it.

The help button is always the most direct and reliable way to request assistance.

Need help with fall detection settings?

If you have questions about how fall detection works, how to wear your device properly, or whether automatic fall detection is right for your situation, please contact Holo Alert.

Email: support@holoalert.ca