When Calvin Harris woke up in the middle of the night on Feb. 20, 2023, he knew something was wrong. The ADT Health customer, who is visually impaired, had his medical alert pendant within reach, like he always does. That night, the device helped save his life.
“I felt a jolt and pressed the button on my pendant,” Mr. Harris recently recalled from his apartment in Chicago. “And the next thing I know, I got the paramedics knocking on my door.”
Mr. Harris was having a stroke, making him one of nearly 800,000 Americans who experience this each year, according to the American Heart Association. But because he acted quickly, and because ADT Health was ready to respond, help arrived in minutes.
Within seconds of pressing the button, Mr. Harris heard a voice come through his ADT Medical Alert base station. An agent was on the line, asking if he needed assistance. From his bed, he was able to communicate that he was having a stroke. The agent immediately dispatched emergency services.
Staying prepared and ready is part of our ADT Health agents’ job. We have a dedicated team of agents who are trained to respond to these exact moments. Whether someone lives alone or with a caregiver, we’re here 24/7 to get them the help they need.
Katie Money, ADT Health and Safety Monitoring Unit Manager
Strokes are one of the leading causes of long-term disability and the fifth-leading cause of death in the U.S., according to the American Heart Association. When a stroke occurs, the brain’s blood supply is interrupted, causing cells to die rapidly. The phrase “Time is Brain” is more than a slogan — it’s a life-saving truth.
Thanks to the speed of ADT Health’s response, Mr. Harris avoided more severe complications and began the road to recovery with his independence intact, he said.
“Staying prepared and ready is part of our ADT Health agents’ job,” said Katie Money, ADT Health and Safety Monitoring Unit Manager. “We have a dedicated team of agents who are trained to respond to these exact moments. Whether someone lives alone or with a caregiver, we’re here 24/7 to get them the help they need.”
ADT’s Medical Alert systems are designed with simplicity in mind. With large, easy-to-press buttons and a direct connection to emergency professionals, the devices reduce confusion and help save precious time.
“Push the button, get help,” said Andrew Droney, Senior Director of ADT Health. “When every second counts, there’s no room for hesitation.”
Know the signs of a stroke
May is National Stroke Awareness Month, a time to increase understanding about the signs of stroke and the importance of acting fast. The F.A.S.T. acronym is a powerful tool for recognizing stroke symptoms:
· Face drooping
· Arm weakness
· Speech difficulty
· Time to call emergency services
Studies show that patients who receive treatment within the first three hours of symptom onset have a significantly better chance of recovery, according to Jefferson Health.
For Mr. Harris, his fast acknowledgment of what was happening paired with ADT Health’s rapid response made all the difference. He believes ADT's quick action helped save his life.
“Pressing that button helped me regain my mobility and keep the life I’m living now,” he said.
Click here to learn more about an ADT Medical Alert System for yourself or a loved one.