Seniors and the frail can have peace of mind if they fall over thanks to a new device launched by Integrated Cabling & Security Solutions (ICSS).

The Fall Detector, which can be attached to the person, works by notifying the company's 24-hour monitoring station and a family member or friend if their loved one has fallen.

The device triggers the call by being turned horizontal as a result of the fall and by pressing a button, with the base station emitting a message that the user had fallen and dialling up 911 and the next of kin after 30, 60 or 90 seconds depending on the setting.

It also comes with an instant panic button which can be used in the event of an emergency.

Dwain Smith, who runs ICSS with his father Larry, said the device was brand new to the Island having just received a test version last week and he was already planning to place an order with his distributors this week based on what he had seen in trials.

"We decided to run with this product as a result of visiting clients who had advised us that their loved ones had fallen on the ground and needed to call for help," he said.

"There was one particular case of a person who has fallen down and was on the ground for 42 hours before being found."

The device, which only hit the streets in the US six weeks ago and costs $350 plus a $25 per month monitoring fee, has a range of 100 feet, so can be used around most homes and gardens.

ICSS, which claims to have the fastest response time of any security monitoring company in Bermuda with an 80-strong response team speaking five different languages working 24/7 and 365 days a year, launched the MediPendant personal emergency response system - a device which enables the elderly and the physically impaired to get help at the touch of a button in the event of an emergency - in April.

The company is also offering a new in house financing package in conjunction with Bermuda Financial Network to provide security systems for households and businesses for up to $2,000 for up to 20 access points in the premises (windows and doors) including installation.

The deal allows the customer to pay half of the money up front and the balance over a six-month period and the systems are wireless so can be transferred if you move house.

"We are starting to see the trend now because of the crime wave that Bermuda is facing that the elderly are being targeted as crimes of opportunity," said Mr. Smith.

For more information, contact Dwain Smith on 537-0941 or e-mail DSmith@icss.bm