A local emergency response service is playing a growing role in reducing pressure on ambulances and hospitals by helping older and vulnerable residents stay safe at home falling falls.
Helpline 24/7, which supports thousands of people across North East Essex, provides 24-hour telecare monitoring and rapid response to incidents such as non-injury falls, often arriving on scene before an ambulance is required.
With around half of people aged over 80 experiencing at least one fall every year, demand on emergency services continues to rise. Services like Helpline 24/7 are increasingly being recognised as a vital part of the solution, helping to prevent avoidable callouts and hospital admissions.
The team responds to pendant alarm activations, welfare concerns and ‘no voice contact’ alerts, incidents where a resident may be unable to reach or speak to the alarm unit, often indicating a fall or serious issue.
In one recent incident, a local resident triggered her alarm but was unable to respond. Treating the situation as urgent, Helpline 24/7 dispatched a trained response team, who attended alongside neighbours and helped her safely before paramedics arrived.
The resident, Mrs V, later contacted the service from hospital to thank staff personally for their support.
Cllr Venessa Moffat, Interim Chair of Amphora, said: “Services like Helpline 24/7 are becoming increasingly important as demand on health and emergency services grows. By responding quickly to incidents such as falls, the team helps reduce unnecessary pressure on ambulances and hospitals while allowing residents to maintain their independence.”
Helpline 24/7 has been operating for more than 25 years and works closely with local health and care partners. Its specialist response teams are trained to assist residents after a fall, helping many remain safely at home rather than waiting extended periods for emergency services.
Nicola Cable, Monitoring and Response Service Manager, said: “A ‘no voice contact’ alarm is always treated as an emergency, because someone may be unable to move or call for help. Our role is to get there quickly, provide reassurance, and ensure people are safe, often avoiding the need for hospital care.”
As the population ages and demand for urgent care increases, community-based response services are expected to play an increasingly important role in supporting overstretched NHS services.
For more information, visit www.helpline.co.uk
