"While locking up my front door for the night, I fell and hit my head on my bookcase. My head started bleeding and I could taste blood in my mouth. Also my spine was 'shattered'. All I could do, lying helpless on the floor, was to press your little button which I have worn for years.

Lovely neighbours, who hold my door keys, were called here in a matter of minutes by Bupa. Also the medics from Wellington Free Ambulance. I was soon receiving attention at the hospital. What would I have done without my Bupa alarm? What can one say for such a wonderful service?

The day I came out of hospital, Healthcare Field Officer Anne Dodds called with a beautiful card and a lovely bunch of flowers.

To say "thank you" for this wonderful service seems quite inadequate but it comes with my love to you all, remembering the lovely woman in your office the night of my fall, who spoke words of comfort to me as we waited for the ambulance. Her lovely voice so calm and kind is something I'll remember. Thank you so much.
Your friend, Norah Owen-John (MBE)"

Family and friends of Masterton woman Mary Everitt are hailing her Bupa Personal Medical Alarm as 'a lifesaver'.

Mary survived a frenzied wasp attack in her garden, after suffering a stroke and falling into the angry mob of insects. Although she was attacked by literally hundreds of wasps, Mary was able to activate her Bupa Personal Medical Alarm, and within minutes, an ambulance had arrived.

Mrs Everitnt's children believe she would have died without the quick response and rescue that were prompted by her Personal Medical Alarm. Her daughter told the Wairarapa Times-Age newspaper, "If it wasn't for the alarm and the neighbours nearby, things would have been very different. I'm absolutely sure of that".

"I do want to thank you for all being there for me when I had my fall. It was comforting to know that when I pressed my alarm button you got hold of my friend and she, I know, appreciated the fact that you stayed on the line until the ambulance arrived.

My alarm has always given me a sense of security which is very comforting when you live alone, and even if I don't need to use it, it is the fact of knowing someone is there."
Mrs Connie Clulee

"My sincere thanks go out for the fast response to my call when I tripped and fell over on a concrete pathway at home. One doesn't know how much relief, calmness and security that voice coming through the alarm gives until it is experienced. In the past I have hesitated in pressing my button, not wanting to be any trouble, but you have given me the confidence to use it without hesitation."
Mrs Ryan

Mrs Sylvia Ford found the pendant helpful when her husband took a turn. Although a calm and collected person by nature, Sylvia was anxious and panicked to see her husband this way. By activating her husband’s alarm, Sylvia allowed the experts to take control of the situation and make the necessary arrangements – which freed her up to focus on her husband.

Merilyn Duthie experiences blocking of her inner ear, and fluctuating blood pressure. If she loses her balance and falls, she knows that her brother will soon be on his way, to help her to her feet again – as she has requested.

I got my medical alarm system about two years ago and over the last six months I have had to use it about once a month, as I have a heart condition called unstable angina. My heart goes out of normal beat and can be as low as 40 beats or up to 180-190 beats (per minute) and with that comes chest pain. I just want to say a big thank you to all the staff on the other end of my buzzer when I push it. They normally talk to my daughter Maureen when they ask, “How can we help?” My daughter says “ambulance please” as I have chest pains again, and the staff stay on the line until the ambulance arrives. So once again a big thank you very much to all the staff.
Peter Maketu

I felt like it was a happy family on the end of the phone. Thank you for all being so nice to me, and for the wonderful support.
Ivy and Trevor, Auckland

I value the security my alarm offers and enjoy the newsletters very much. Thanking you.
Nellie, Auckland

It is comforting to know you are close at hand with my alarm in case of necessity, as I have learnt from previous occasions. Many thanks
Sylvia, Katikati

Thank you very much for the lovely African Violet that my Healthcare Field Officer gave me when he visited me while in hospital. I am well and feel safe with your alarm. Thank you.
Eileen, Napier

Thank you for being there if I have to push my button. Knowing help is there is such a relief when you live on your own. Thanking you.
Vivienne, Timaru

Thank you for the help you gave me when I had a fall. You stayed with me till the ambulance arrived, which was such a comfort. I was taken to hospital where I stayed for two weeks. While I was there I had a visit from my Healthcare Field Officer who brought me a beautiful posy of orchids. It was much admired by the nurses and other patients and I felt very spoilt. When I arrived home a birthday card arrived for my 85th birthday – another lovely gesture. I can’t thank you enough for the caring and support you give us all and the feeling of security knowing you are there when we need you. You do a wonderful job. Thank you.
Jean, Invercargill

I wish to thank all you people for the manner in which you looked after me the last time I pressed my button. You kept speaking to me until the ambulance arrived. Thank you.
Vic, Tauranga

Just a note to thank you for the prompt and efficient way you attended to my call for assistance in February. It is comforting to know that you are never alone while wearing the alarm.
Shirley, Mosgiel

I do want to thank you all for being there for me when I had my fall. It was comforting to know that when I pressed my alarm button you got hold of my friend and she, I know, appreciated the fact that you stayed on the line until the ambulance arrived. I also appreciated the lovely posy-bowl that the delightful girl brought round for me when I was in hospital. Also I want to thank you for the lovely birthday care – I was actually allowed home on my birthday (luckily she sent the cared to my home address). My alarm has always given me a sense of security which is very comforting when you live alone, and even if I don’t need to use it, it is the fact of knowing someone is there.
Connie, Timaru

When one lives on their own it’s so good to know that with just a press of a button, help is always there.
Isobel, Timaru

I have a fridge magnet which tells me you pay ambulance fees. I would be delighted if you could take care of this for me. It takes all the er…. fun? out of your trip to hospital when you have to pay the ambulance as well. When my breathing packed a sad, I pressed my buzzer. I must say, it was a welcome relief to hear a cheerful voice asking me what the problem was, and for her to talk to me while I waited for the ambulance. I thank you for my button, and especially that reassuring voice at the other end of the buzzer.
Wendy, Matamata

My thanks to the very supportive lady who answered my ‘panic button’, called an ambulance and stayed with me until the ambulance arrived. I can’t speak highly enough of the response and support I received. Incidentally, I was in the throes of a mild heart attack and now am the proud (?) possessor of 3 stents in 1 artery.
Marie, Timaru

I wish to say thank you for helping me on Sunday night 1st June when I was so distressed and struggling to get my breath. Thank you for staying with me until my neighbour and the ambulance arrived. I spent the night in the Hawera hospital then went to stay with my Hawera family. I am back coping on my own now. It meant so much to me when all I had to do was press my alarm.
Thank you so very much.
Lucinda, Patea