Saving lives

Call handler Mandy Anson plays a role in saving the lives of older and vulnerable people

Hull in print reports on the council's new Telecare Lifeline service, which will make vulnerable residents feel safer.

For many older and vulnerable people across Hull, getting the right care at the right time can mean the difference between life and death.
Whether it's a medical crisis caused by a heart attack or stroke, or being unable to get up after a trip or fall, the Telecare Lifeline service puts victims in touch with emergency help.
That help could be Mandy Anson (34), one of a team of call handlers who work shifts to receive calls 24-hours a day, seven days a week, at the control room in Kenworthy House on George Street.
"Some of the calls are distressing to handle, especially when people are in a bad way and at risk of losing their lives," says Mandy.
"But we're able to send someone to them very quickly."

How does it work?

The service provides two-way communication via a red box, installed into the phone socket at home, which has a built-in microphone and speaker.
It can be activated remotely by a panic button, which can be installed on the wall or worn as a pendant around the neck, or by a pull cord installed in easy reach in the home.
"People don't have to use a telephone to ring an ambulance to call for help in the usual way," says Michael Burton, telecare project worker.
"They just have to be within speaking and hearing distance of the box, because when they press the button, it automatically sends calls to the red box.
"It's about helping people live as independently as possible, rather than having to go into full-time care."

Assessing risk

When a call is made, a handler assesses the condition of a caller by their tone of voice and breathing, which can indicate a possible heart attack or stroke.
If they sound upset, agitated and short of breath, an ambulance can be sent. Police may also be sent if the operator believes help will be needed to gain entry to a property because a person is unable to answer the door.
If a caller is calm and otherwise okay, but may need help getting to their feet after a fall, a relative with a key to the house is told immediately.
Telecare Lifeline builds on what was the council's Lifeline service, which has helped more than 5,000 vulnerable Hull people over the last 20 years.
The service also involves the installation of smoke alarms and heat sensors to warn of fire, and bed sensors to detect lack of movement if someone is immobile in bed.

To find out more, call Kingston Care (Lifeline) 01482 614300