Can You Wear a Personal Alarm With a Pacemaker?
If you have a pacemaker, stent or other electronic medical aid, it is understandable to want to check whether a personal alarm button can be worn safely alongside it. The guidance differs depending on whether you are using a home telecare alarm button or a GPS personal alarm.
The short answer
The Tx pendant and wrist transmitters supplied with TASK Connect's TeleAlarm TA74 home personal alarm can generally be worn when a pacemaker or other electronic medical aid is fitted, with no expected hazards when used as intended. However, you should always check the guidance provided by the manufacturer of your pacemaker or medical device.
TA74 Home Personal Alarm & Tx Transmitter
This is the standard home telecare alarm arrangement. The small Tx transmitter can be worn around the neck as a pendant or fitted to a wrist strap.
TA74 home personal alarm with Tx wrist transmitter
The same Tx alarm button can be worn on the wrist or, depending on the supplied
attachment, as a pendant.
Designed for telecare use
The Tx radio transmitters supplied with TASK Connect's TeleAlarm TA74 personal alarm systems comply with the relevant requirements and operate on the dedicated social alarm frequency.
- Available as a pendant or wrist-worn alarm button
- Designed specifically for use with telecare alarm systems
- Connects wirelessly to the TA74 home alarm unit
Compatibility with electronic medical aids
The Tx transmitters have been tested for potential interference with electronic medical aids and meet the applicable requirements.
As a result, no hazards are expected when these transmitters are used with electronic medical aids, including cardiac pacemakers.
You should still confirm compatibility with the manufacturer of your pacemaker or other medical device.
Important: GPS Personal Alarms Are Different
GPS personal alarms contain mobile and location technology and have different pacemaker guidance from the Tx button used with a TA74 home alarm.
PIP GPS Personal Alarm
A portable GPS personal alarm – different pacemaker guidance applies.
Go Watch GPS Alarm
A wrist-worn GPS personal alarm.
Please note that the guidance for the TA74 Tx transmitter above does not apply in the same way to GPS locators.
If a GPS locator is to be worn by someone with an electronic medical aid, including a pacemaker, it is recommended that the device is worn as a wrist attachment on the less dominant arm, rather than around the neck.
Always follow the instructions and separation distances specified by the manufacturer of your pacemaker or implanted medical device.
Common Questions
Can I wear a TA74 personal alarm pendant if I have a pacemaker?
The Tx transmitter supplied with the TA74 can generally be worn with a pacemaker or other electronic medical aid, and no hazards are expected when it is used as intended. You should nevertheless check with the manufacturer of your pacemaker or medical device.
Is the advice the same for a GPS personal alarm?
No. GPS personal alarms should be kept at least 25 cm away from a pacemaker. If a GPS alarm is to be worn, a wrist attachment on the less dominant arm is recommended rather than wearing the device around the neck.
How do I know which type of TASK Connect alarm I have?
A TA74 home personal alarm uses a separate alarm base unit in the home together with a small Tx pendant or wrist button. A GPS personal alarm is a portable device such as the PIP or Go Watch that can be used away from home. The photographs above show the difference between these types of alarm.
What should I do if I am unsure?
Check the guidance provided by the manufacturer of your pacemaker or implanted medical device before using wearable electronic equipment. TASK Connect can explain how our different alarm devices are worn and used, but compatibility guidance from your medical device manufacturer should always be followed.
Looking for the Right Personal Alarm?
Explore our personal alarm options or speak to the TASK Connect team if you would like help understanding the differences between home telecare alarms and GPS personal alarms.
This information relates to TASK Connect alarm equipment and is not a substitute for the instructions supplied with your pacemaker or other medical device. Always follow the manufacturer's guidance for your own device.
Personal alarm transmitters (pendant/wristband telecare alarm buttons) can generally be worn when stents, pacemakers, and other electronic medical aids are fitted, without any expected hazards.
The personal alarm buttons (Tx transmitters) used with the TeleAlarm TA74 alarms, provided by TASK Connect, comply with EC directives and transmit on the dedicated social alarm frequency.
The Tx radio transmitters (pendant buttons) included in the TA74 telecare systems have been tested for potential interference with electronic medical aids and meet the applicable requirements. Therefore, no hazards are expected when using these transmitters with electronic medical aids, including pacemakers.
In summary, the Tx transmitter should be safe to use. However, you should check with the manufacturer of the pacemaker/electronic medical aid to ensure compatibility.
Please note this is not the case with GPS locators, which must be kept at least 25 cm away from a pacemaker. If a GPS locator must be worn with electronic medical aids, including pacemakers, then it is recommended wearing the device as a wrist attachment on the less dominant arm, rather than around the neck.