GreatCall Introduces 5Star Responder and 5Star Urgent Response iPhone App

Today GreatCall introduced two new products, the 5Star Responder and 5Star Urgent Response iPhone app.  The Responder is a first-of-its-kind wireless, mobile device that is an easy, convenient, and affordable way to gain immediate assistance through our 5Star service center when individuals find themselves in vulnerable situations, at home or on the go. The first Responders were purchased this morning via our direct response sales center and on-line at our website.  Beginning October 23rd, the device will also be available nationwide at Walmart and Sears. Our iPhone app is among the first 5 apps shown in the paid Healthcare and Fitness App category in iTunes.  Our marketing campaign starts with the retail roll out.

About the 5Star Urgent Response Service

GreatCall introduced 5Star Urgent Response in January 2011 and, since that time, has marketed the service to our Jitterbug cell phone customers for use in a wide variety of situations in which the 5Star subscriber may feel vulnerable or anxious, or is experiencing a medical event that the subscriber doesn’t believe justifies calling 911. 

The service is supported by response centers staffed 24/7/365 by National Academies of Emergency Dispatch (NAED) certified agents who have immediate access to the subscriber’s identity, location, and personal emergency profile including emergency contacts, vehicle information, and medical and other personal information the subscriber provides to us.  Profile information is handled by HIPAA trained agents, secured by a SAS 70 Type II certified data center, and shared with first responders only in the event of an emergency. 

The 5Star agents are trained in CPR and use emergency protocols to assess the subscriber’s situation and coordinate appropriate help, including conferencing in 911 emergency services when appropriate.  Agents remain on the line until the subscriber’s situation is resolved, and can also conference in a registered nurse, specified medical contact, family member or friend to lend support.  Translation services are available for non-English speaking subscribers. 

About the Responder

The Responder is a compact, lightweight, easy to use mobile device that, upon activation by GreatCall, enables its user to contact a qualified 5Star agent or the 911 operator.  The user presses and releases the Responder’s button to call 5Star, and presses and holds the button to call 911 directly.  The device is straightforward and easy to use, featuring single button operation, powerful speaker phone, on/off switch, and clearly visible service and battery indicators.  The Responder can be used by the active adult, his/her older parent, college student, or child/grandchild as a mobile personal safety product that can be attached to a keychain, purse or backpack.  (The device does not support fall detection or automatic fall alert features that are associated with wearable personal emergency response products in the market today.) 

Press releases are found at:

http://www.greatcall.com/Community/PressReleases/5Star_Announces_Responder.aspx

http://www.greatcall.com/Community/PressReleases/5Star_iPhone_Prepared.aspx