fall alarm buying guide: pull cord and combination alarms

by Rein Tideiksaar, PhD

Fall prevention is often possible with the use of fall alarms; and many types of fall alarms are available. The fall alarms on this page generally use a garment clip attached to the patient with a length of cord attached to the fall alarm. When the patient moves too far, the clip releases and the fall alarm sounds.

This page is available as a printable PDF file.

Pull Cord and Combination Fall Alarms
Pull Cord Fall Alarm Consists of an adjustable length cord and garment clip that is attached to the patient's/resident's clothing. The end of the cord is attached to the control unit via a small magnetic pin or metal pin. The alarm is activated when the patient/resident exits the bed, chair/wheelchair and the cord detaches from the control unit.
Alarms	Features	Products	Accessories
Secure Magnetic Alarm	70/80/90 decibels OSHA approved 80 decibel level 2 tones Tamper-resistant Always on for patient/ resident safety Automatic reset Test and reset button Made w/break- resistant ABS plastic Alert light Batteries included Low battery indicator One year warranty	Secure® Magnetic Alarm Secure® Magnetic Alarm (MAG-4)	Secure® Alarm Cord, Pin & Clip Accessory
Secure Alert Mate	Made with break-resistant ABS plastic No extra cover needed. Tamper-resistant OSHA approved 80 decibel alarm level Battery tester Always on for patient/ resident safety Automatic reset Comes with 4' Adjustable cord with locking clip and velcro attachment Velcro attachment strip for bed or chair. Batteries included One year warranty	Secure® Alert-Mate Alarm - 80 dB Secure® Loud-Mate Alarm - 120 dB
Secure Alert Mate II	Made with break-resistant ABS plastic No extra cover needed Adjustable 3-decibel level Battery tester Always on for resident safety Automatic reset Batteries included One year warranty	Secure® Alert-Mate II Alarm
Combination Pressure Pad & Pull Cord Fall Alarms These fall alarms can be used as a pull-cord alarm or attached to a pressure pad. When used as a pull-cord, the alarm is activated when the patient/resident exits the bed, chair/wheelchair and the cord detaches from the control unit. For pressure-pad use, the alarm is activated when the weight of the patient/resident is no longer on the pad.
Alarms	Features	Products	Accessories
SUV I Universal Alarm	Can be used with pressure pads or pull cords; offers staff a choice between using a pressure pad and pull cord alarm Always on for resident safety Test/Reset Button Flashing alert light Batteries included One year warranty	Universal Alarm	8' Nurse Call Cable Toilet Seat Pad 12 x 12 inch Chair Pad Only 12 x 30 inch Bed Pad Only 24 x 30 inch Bed Pad Only
PADS II Alarm	Alarm with nurse call interface Always on for resident safety Tamper resistant Volume, tone and dB settings Low battery light Batteries included One year warranty	PADS II Alarm	8' Nurse Call Cable Toilet Seat Pad 12 x 12 inch Chair Pad Only 12 x 30 inch Bed Pad Only 24 x 30 inch Bed Pad Only
Voice Alarm	2-tone alarm w/voice recording and mute features 70/80/90 decibel level Tamper-resistant Made of break-resistant ABS plastic Nurse-call capability Always-on feature Auto-reset Alert light Alarm holder included Batteries included Optional AC power supply Low battery indicator	Secure Voice Alarm w/holder	8' Nurse Call Cable Toilet Seat Pad 12 x 12 inch Chair Pad Only 12 x 30 inch Bed Pad Only 24 x 30 inch Bed Pad Only
Silent Monitor	Comes w/Holder & Nurse Call Cable Monitor alerts staff at nurse's station & light above resident's door Tamper-resistant Break-resistant ABS plastic Nurse-call capability Auto-reset Always-on feature 1 pin position Alert light Batteries included Low battery indicator Please note that this alarm does not make any sound	Secure® Silent Monitor w/holder & nurse call cable	Toilet Seat Pad 12 x 12 inch Chair Pad Only 12 x 30 inch Bed Pad Only 24 x 30 inch Bed Pad Only

Please visit the SeekWellness Store to view alarms for purchase.

Many falls can be prevented with the use of the proper type of fall alarm.

Posted October 2005
Updated October 2009

fall alarm buying guide: pull cord and combination alarms

Pull Cord and Combination Fall Alarms

Alarms

Features

Products

Accessories

Combination Pressure Pad & Pull Cord Fall Alarms

Alarms

Features

Products

Accessories