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FastHelp Alert Device Review
For over 11 years, SafeWise experts have conducted independent research and testing to create unbiased, human reviews. Learn how we test and review.
FastHelp is a simple two-button device that calls 911 whenever you need it. Just press the large red help button and speak to an emergency dispatcher directly through the device.
Although it's marketed as a low-budget medical alert device, FastHelp can be used in other scenarios too. Keep it in the car, wear it on walks, or place it on your bedside table for quick 911 access any time.
FastHelp pricing
Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.
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 for $299.00.
This makes it a good option for newcomers to medical alerts. You won't have to commit to a contract or steep monthly cost.
No monthly fees vs. 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.
The 911 dispatchers also won't know your home address, lockbox code, or any personal health information, all of which makes it easier for emergency responders to act quickly when the time comes.
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.
What’s in the box
- FastHelp device
- Charging cradle and cable
- Lanyard
- Belt clip
How FastHelp works
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 approximate location with emergency responders. But it doesn’t share your location with your family like other GPS 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.
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.
Compare FastHelp to other medical alert devices
Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.
Equipment options: FastHelp vs. other medical alert systems
Medical alert companies like Bay Alarm Medical, GetSafe, Medical Guardian, and 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.
No 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 fall detection can sense 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.
No 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Related articles on SafeWise
Sources
- National Council on Aging, “Get the Facts on Fall Prevention,” July 2022. Accessed November 22, 2022.
Disclaimer
*Amazon.com list price as of post date. 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.
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