A medical aid device designed to provide peace of mind and security to seniors, persons with restricted mobility, children and individuals has been introduced to Bermuda.

The GPS-equipped key ring-size device has a button that can be pressed during an emergency to put the user in direct contact with an operator to request assistance.

Even if the operator is unable to speak with the user they will still summon assistance.

A text message is also sent to list of up to five contacts, such as close family and friends, to tell them that emergency services are on their way.

The location of the device can be tracked using GPS, and it features fall detection settings that will trigger an alert. Another feature is geo fencing that sends an alert when the user leaves a predetermined safe area.

According to ICSS, a personal security company, the ihelp + 3G device is the first medical alert system on the market “that hat keeps the island’s most venerable people safe and assists individuals in their pursuit of maintaining their independence”.

The light weight device is also said to assist individuals in their pursuit of maintaining their independence, and allows the user to listen directly through it during an emergency or when assistance may be required.

In Bermuda it operates on Digicel’s 3G network. It can be used anywhere there is a cellular connection, including the shower due to its water proof casing.

A spokesman said ICSS was committed to bringing the latest technology to Bermuda to help the island’s most venerable people, adding: “We’d like to thank Digicel & BTC for allowing the pendant to be easily available for purchase and capable of being used anytime, anywhere island wide.”

Naomi Staines, ICSS relationship manager at Digicel & BTC, said: “We are very excited to be working with ICSS to fill such an important gap in the market. We seek to participate in projects that make our community a safer and better place to live.

“We believe the i-help product will do just that for the ageing population and children travelling from A to B without adult supervision. We look forward to seeing the difference this safety device makes in Bermuda.”

In a statement, ICSS said: “Bermuda has an ageing population, children that are often on their own travelling to and from school along with other activities and individuals with restricted mobility on the island. The device is geared to not only keep them safe and offer them a quality lifestyle but also allows their loved ones to be worry free.”

The device, which has a monthly subscription cost, is available from the BTC store in Hamilton.