FastHelp Medical Alert Device Review

Last Updated on March 6, 2023

FastHelp Review Summary

FastHelp is a mobile medical alert device that connects product users to 911. On the FastHelp mobile alert device, the device has an emergency button labeled E. Once the E emergency button is pushed, the FastHelp device will dial 911 using a cellular connection. The device is small enough to be worn with a lanyard or belt-clip.

Even in this era of cell phones being everywhere, FastHelp’s simple one-click solution still makes practical sense. When an emergency happens, our phone may be beyond our reach, or we may not want to contend with pushing several buttons on the phone.

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FastHelp does not charge any monthly fees, just a one-time cost to purchase their system. To safe even more, check eBay for offers. You will get a main button device that dials to 911. There are no enhancements such as professional monitoring or fall detection.

Pros

Calls 911 Directly – FastHelp connects product users directly to 911. By just pressing and holding a single button for about 3 seconds, the Fasthelp device will dial out to the 911 operators at once.

Simplicity – FastHelp is a worthy choice for a senior or anyone who wants to have a simple medical alert system that calls 911 by pressing down a button. We may not have our cell phones on us all the time, and nothing beats the simplicity of a single button-press.

No Monthly Fee – Choosing FastHelp, you will pay just for the medical alert system once, and you will not have to cover any additional costs. Monthly fees sometimes discourage people from buying such a device, so with this solution, they can avoid the most unwanted disadvantage they have in mind.

No Setup Fees – You will not be charged for setting up to use the FastHelp device. The only cost you have to cover is the price of the device.

Mobile Solution – This is a mobile solution that works anywhere with a good cellular network connection.

Belt Clip/ Lanyard – Thanks to an included lanyard and belt clip, product users have a choice of how they wear their device. They can choose whatever is most convenient for them and easily have the device close at hand always.

Cons

No Monitoring Services – The FastHelp system will only call 911. It will not connect product users with a private emergency alert monitoring service or their family members or caregivers. Some seniors prefer the additional support, GPS integration, and emergency contact options that are available through other mobile medical alert products.

No Fall Detection Feature – Some advanced medical alert systems will automatically detect falls and activate an alert call. Although most companies will recommend manually pushing the button whenever possible, sometimes that is not possible. For example, the system user may be physically unable to press the SOS call button if they lose consciousness or experiences a seizure episode.

Location Tracking Approximate – FastHelp uses “GPS-Triangulation” to provide an approximate location. In comparison, there are numerous other senior alert devices that offer full-fledged GPS technology, with the caveat that you will likely have to pay a monthly fee for them.

Higher Upfront Cost – As for FastHelp you pay only once, the upfront price is relatively high compared to the medical alert systems with a monthly fee. The standard price is $299, but you can often find it on sale at a steep discount (click for offers).

FastHelp Detailed Review

Background

Universal Physicians developed FastHelp in 2004. It is an organization from North Canton, Ohio that comes up with new solutions to common problems. Seniors are their primary focus, and they develop products that help to keep them safe and sound.

Nowadays, they are working on BrainPad, which will be a tablet specially created for seniors with free Wi-Fi access and games designed to enhance their memory and mental acuity. They promise they put a lot of effort to provide the best and most innovative solutions available, but even if you are not satisfied with them somehow, they offer you a 30-day money-back guarantee.

How It Works

Indicator Light

Speaker

One-Touch E Button

Call Cancel, Battery Test & Cellular Network Test Button

Microphone

FastHelp is an alternative to a Life Alert device if you are searching for a mobile solution that is simple to use. It has a big red button with an E on it. When a product customer experiences and emergency, all they have to do is just press it and hold it for 5 seconds to be connected with their local 911.

If the emergency is severe and you need medical help as soon as possible, it makes for a fast and efficient calling solution to reach 911. This is simpler than using a cell phone. With a cell phone, you still need to bring up the phone application or use the keypad. It’s also smaller and easier to wear with a lanyard or a belt-clip.

When you are connected to 911, the Fasthelp device works as a two-way speakerphone, so you can explain to the operator what exactly happened and listen to their advice.

There is also a special silver call cancelation button above and to the left of the Emergency call button. You can press and hold the silver button for up to 5 seconds to stop connecting with the operators. This feature comes in handy when you push the button accidentally.

Mobile Solution (No Cell Phone Needed)

FastHelp does not require any landline, cell phone, or internet connection. It works on its own as a fully mobile solution. As long as a good cellular connection can be established, product customers can freely use anywhere they happen to be.

The device works through its internal cell phone connection that will only make emergency calls. No cell phone subscription is needed. Having a cell phone will not provide any extra benefits, as FastHelp will not sync up with your cell phone.

Only Calls 911

What FastHelp is missing is that it will not connect customers to a call monitoring center or family. There are extra assurance and flexibility provided by trained private monitoring who can co-ordinate and reach out to a few different parties on their customer’s behalf.

Sometimes, we are not feeling well but have not quite reached the point of needing an ambulance. Instead, we may want our family or care provider to be notified as quickly as possible to come assist us.

If you like to compare options, there are other mobile medical alert systems you can check out here. Bay Alarm Medical offers several mobile alert options that are relevant as well.

Call Cancel Button

With FastHelp, if you press the emergency button accidentally, there is no need to be concerned. The device comes with a dedicated silver button that needs to be held for five seconds to cancel your call.

Even if the call gets through to 911, you can always let the operator know that you have pressed the button by accident and no emergency has occurred.

No Automatic Fall Detection

There is no automatic fall detection with FastHelp, so if something happens to you, the device will not react on its own.

GPS

According to FastHelp, their system comes with “GPS-triangulation” tracking to “approximate your location.” The terminology is not clear, but they could be using cellular tower triangulation to approximate your location. One product user was disappointed when the 911 operator was unable to clearly read her location.

Regardless, FastHelp’s recommends their customers to always provide their address verbally to the 911 call operator. This is the best way to ensure that the 911 operator knows where the caller is located.

Suppose you need a mobile medical alert that can consistently provide GPS location. There are other mobile medical products you can look into.

For example, the Bay Alarm Medical mobile GPS system will transmit the device’s location to their call monitoring center. It works with a caregiver app that allows family members the option to subscribe and receive updates of the device’s location throughout the day.

Another option is this personal safety device. This is a SOS wristband made by a company experienced in providing GPS tracking products. Their system will constantly update the last location of the device. Their SOS button will call a personal contact instead of 911.

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Water-Resistant

The unit is water-resistant against light sprays like rain and shower. It has a water-resistance rating of IPX5. Devices with this level of rating have been tested to withstand a sustained, low-pressure water jet spray.

Pace Maker

There are no explicit recommendations regarding its compatibility with a pacemaker. Someone reported calling to check on this point with the manufacturer; and was told that having a pacemaker should be fine if the Fasthelp device is more than 6 feet away. It would be prudent to check with both the manufacturer and your healthcare provider for guidance.

No Monthly Fees

There are no monthly fees or long-term contracts for this medical alert device. Once you purchase the device, it’s yours to keep and use on an ongoing basis.

Cellular Network Generation

Update: Based on this Amazon listing, it appears that a 4G device is available.

The company does not state FastHelp’s network generation compatibility. Someone mentioned that this device only works with 2G or 3G networks, but the manufacturer has not clarified on that.

If FastHelp does not work with newer 4G networks and beyond, that means the device will become obsolete in the coming years. Customers may need to purchase the next generation device. However, their savings on monthly cost could still make the purchase worthwhile.

Battery

The FastHelp device comes with a battery built into it. It does not require you to replace batteries. You recharge the device using a charger that comes with the system, and you can recharge it in around 4 hours.

It is recommended that product users check the battery levels at least every two weeks. To check the battery level, you can press the silver button (the same one that cancels your call by being held). Interestingly, this button also allows you to see if cellular coverage is sufficient.

Summary

As emergencies can happen unexpectedly, it would be good for seniors to have a medical alert system close at hand. FastHelp is a great basic device that provides the necessary protection. With just one button, it will connect you with a local 911 operator who can assist you. If you already have an in-home medical alert system at home, this mobile device makes for a fitting supplement. FastHelp is something you can take with you when going outside and it offers an additional lifeline as a second button at home.

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this review, the information is supplied without warranties of any kind. We advise all readers to do careful due diligence before purchasing. Take time to visit the company’s website and speak with their representatives.