FastHelp
- No monthly payments
- Direct connection to 911 dispatchers
- Built-in two way communication
The bottom line: FastHelp connects directly to 911
FastHelp is a simple two-button device that calls 911 whenever you need it. If you find yourself injured from an accident (like slipping and falling), press the large emergency button. You can speak to an emergency dispatcher directly through the device.
Unlike other medical alert devices, the company doesn’t have a professional monitoring center. So while you’ll miss out on personalized help, it cuts out the middleman and eliminates the need for a monthly fee.
FastHelp also lacks automatic fall detection, but overall, it’s a good choice if you want a low-budget device that could ultimately save your life.
Pros
- No monthly fees
- Simple design
- Waterproof build
- Two ways to wear
Cons
- No professional monitoring
- No automatic fall detection
- No GPS tracking
- No companio app for caregivers
How we reviewed FastHelp
We’ve spent hours poring over the finer details of medical alert devices out there. By comparing similar products, we were able to see how FastHelp fits into the picture. We dug into customer reviews, fine print, and video testimonials from real users to get our information for this review.
Learn more about how we write reviews from our methodology page.
FastHelp pricing
| FastHelp Medical Alert System | |
| Equipment cost | $149.00 |
| Monthly fee | X No |
| 30-day money-back guarantee | ✓ Yes |
| Learn more | View on Amazon |
Info current as of 07/9/20. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
When it comes to pricing for FastHelp, we’re happy to report that there isn’t much to report. To get your hands on a FastHelp emergency button, you’ll only have to buy the device. Because the device isn’t connected to a monitoring center, you won’t have to pay a monthly fee or sign up for any contracts.
Typically, most medical alert companies provide different equipment packages featuring a variety of devices and options. While it’s great to have options, FastHelp has just one product, so you know exactly what you’re getting and how much you’ll pay for it.
Why is there no monthly fee?
Because FastHelp doesn’t use a monitoring center, you won’t need to pay the monthly fee. Instead, the emergency button on the device connects directly to 911 dispatchers.
Returns and money-back guarantees
The FastHelp medical alert device comes with a one-year warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee. If the device is damaged or something goes wrong within the first year, you can return it for a replacement. But if you want a refund, you’ll need to return it within the first 30 days.
FastHelp’s medical alert device
| Equipment |
| Professional monitoring |
| Companion app |
| Automatic fall detection |
| Two-way communication |
| Waterproof |
| Wearable attachments |
| Buttons |
 |
| X No |
| X No |
| X No |
| ✓ Yes |
| ✓ Yes |
| Lanyard Belt Clip |
| Test battery Emergency button |
| View on Amazon |
Info current as of 07/09/20. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
What’s in the box
- Device
- Charging cradle and cable
- Lanyard
- Belt clip
FastHelp has just two buttons. The large red button calls 911, while the other tests the battery. The device itself is about the size of a pager (remember those?) and comes with a lanyard and belt clip you can use to carry it with you.
It’s waterproof, so you can wear it while showering, swimming, or playing with the grandkids (especially while holding the teething baby).
There’s no need to stay within range of a base station like at-home medical alert systems that keep you on a digital tether. And while the device is small, it houses a two-way speaker that lets you talk to 911 dispatchers directly through the device.
Inside the device, there’s a GPS triangulation unit designed to share your location with emergency responders. But it doesn’t share your location with your family like other medical alerts can. That’s good news for privacy but bad if you’re looking for a device that keeps track of your loved one.
Why would I want professional monitoring?
The trained professionals on the other side at the monitoring center can contact your family for you in an emergency. Your family might not know about your injury or emergency if you call 911 directly.
FastHelp customer service
FastHelp’s website is dated but easy to navigate, and all the information you need is there. We were able to find all the details we needed about the device itself, along with info about returns and cancelations.
You can order a FastHelp device through the website, on Amazon, or call to speak to a customer representative. The customer service team is friendly and helpful, so you can count on them to answer your questions.
How FastHelp stacks up
| Monthly fee |
| Professional monitoring |
| Waterproof wearable button |
| Automatic fall detection |
| Learn More |
| FastHelp | Bay Alarm Medical | GetSafe | Medical Guardian | Philips Lifeline |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
| $0.00 | $19.95 | $24.95 | $34.95 | $29.95 |
| X No |
✓ Yes |
✓ Yes |
✓ Yes |
✓ Yes |
| ✓ Yes |
✓ Yes |
✓ Yes |
✓ Yes |
✓ Yes |
| X No |
✓ Yes |
✓ Yes |
✓ Yes |
✓ Yes |
| View on Amazon | Visit Bay Alarm Medical | Visit GetSafe | Visit Medical Guardian | Visit Philips Lifeline |
Info current as of 07/09/20. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Monthly fees and professional monitoring
FastHelp swaps professional monitoring for direct-to-911 calling. But without professional monitoring professionals standing by to help, your family might not get word of your emergency.
Fewer equipment options
Medical alert companies like Bay Alarm Medical, GetSafe, Medical Guardian, and Philips Lifeline have at least four systems to choose from. FastHelp just has one.
Limited options make your choice easy because it takes the guesswork out of shopping, but you also miss out on extra features that can help in a tough situation.
Automatic fall detection
People over 65 are more prone to serious injuries from falling.1 If you’ve taken a fall in the last year, you might be more prone to additional accidents. Medical alert systems with this feature can detect when you fall down and call a monitoring center automatically. So if you’re unconscious from your accident, help will still be on the way.
FastHelp doesn’t have automatic fall protection like other medical alert systems. This feature can call for help automatically if it senses that you’ve slipped or fallen down.
You can still use FastHelp if you slip in the shower or trip on the stairs and find yourself stuck, but you’ll need to have the device on you and be conscious to press the button.
GPS tracking and mobile app for family
Some of the packages from medical alert systems like Bay Alarm Medical or Medical Guardian include a GPS-enabled unit. These devices work like FastHelp and share your location with emergency services when you need help. But the big difference is they share your location with your family.
So while FastHelp gives you a little more privacy and doesn’t share your location with your loved ones, GPS devices and companion apps can help your family reach you faster when you need it.
Other medical alert systems to consider
A final word
FastHelp Medical Alert is simple and straightforward. If you aren’t ready to make the jump to a full-blown medical alert system, it’s a good alternative. You’ll miss out on features like professional monitoring, an app for your family, and fall detection. But if you just want a simple way to call for help in an emergency, FastHelp is a great place to start.
FastHelp FAQ
How does FastHelp work?
FastHelp is a portable medical alert device that calls 911 when you press the button. A 911 operator will help you through your emergency—just speak into the device. FastHelp also has built-in GPS technology to send emergency responders to your location.
How long does the FastHelp battery last?
FastHelp recommends charging and testing your battery once a month. The charging cradle it comes with is small enough to fit on a nightstand and charge every night.
How do I return my FastHelp alert button?
FastHelp comes with a one-year warranty. If the device malfunctions or is damaged within that time, you can return it for a new device. Otherwise, the company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. So you can return it for a refund within 30 days after purchase.
What is FastHelp’s test button?
FastHelp has a small grey button on the device designed to test the battery. When you press the button, the device will tell you if the battery is low or not.
Is FastHelp only for seniors?
The FastHelp Medical Alert is simple enough for anyone to use. Kids who stay home alone after school, teenagers driving for the first time, and anyone living alone can use the FastHelp button to call for emergency assistance.
Sources
- National Council on Aging, “Fall Prevention Facts,” Accessed June 22, 2020.
Disclaimer
Amazon: *Amazon.com list price as of 07/09/2020 03:00 (MT). Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.
Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.
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