If the phone cannot be reached, no button is enough

A button works only after the device is reached

A manual action requires the person to notice the need, reach the control and activate it. A fall, weakness, distance or an obstacle can break that sequence before the first tap. Do not present a button as complete protection, and do not interpret silence alone as evidence that all is well.

Where the phone stays is part of the system

Agree how the phone will be carried or placed during ordinary activities without adding cables or trip hazards. Test access while seated and from floor level without creating danger. A pocket, case or strap helps only when the person accepts it and it suits the device instructions and their comfort.

A wearable adds a route rather than certainty

A watch or other wearable may stay closer than a phone left in one place. Controls, battery life, pairing, coverage and features nevertheless differ by model and setup. Check the actual action on the real product and retain another route: being worn does not always mean connected or usable.

Connectivity, battery and links remain dependencies

Phones, wearables and apps depend differently on battery, mobile service, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, permissions and notifications. Test ordinary locations and record coverage gaps. A call or SMS may provide another route where service permits, although neither guarantees delivery or a response.

Contacts and visits cover what technology cannot see

Name a primary contact, a backup and the threshold for handover. Where the agreed situation warrants it, add scheduled calls or visits with consent, suitable times and a clear access arrangement. A missed reply is an input to the protocol rather than an automatic diagnosis.

An announced rehearsal exposes gaps in the plan

Run an announced rehearsal for each route: phone carried, device out of reach, wearable disconnected, no network and no acknowledgement from the primary contact. Check who moves to backup and when local services are called. Repeat after changes in device, home, network, contacts or routine.

Examples, counterexamples and fallback. Example: a large on-screen button cannot help when the phone is in another room, discharged, locked or out of reach. Start with a concrete event, define an observable outcome and name a lead and backup only after both have accepted the role. Rehearse on the real device at a calm time with ordinary settings, correcting what actually happens without assigning ability or intention.. Reduce physical distance first with stable safe placement, without cables across walkways or requiring constant carrying. Rehearse on the real device at a calm time with ordinary settings, correcting what actually happens without assigning ability or intention. Connectivity, battery, notifications and human availability change; retain calling, SMS or paper instructions as an independent second route..

A voice control or wearable may help some people but depends on compatibility, setup, individual ability and acceptance. Connectivity, battery, notifications and human availability change; retain calling, SMS or paper instructions as an independent second route. Collect only necessary data, review consent and contacts after changes, and call local services directly for concrete immediate danger.. When no phone is reachable, use agreed physical and human alternatives: landline, neighbour, known point or suitable device. Collect only necessary data, review consent and contacts after changes, and call local services directly for concrete immediate danger. Start with a concrete event, define an observable outcome and name a lead and backup only after both have accepted the role.

• Does the device actually follow the person’s chosen routine?
• Can it be reached while seated or on the floor without a risky test?
• Were wearable, battery, pairing and coverage checked?
• Did primary and backup accept their roles and thresholds?
• Do agreed calls or visits respect consent and privacy?
• Is there a procedure for immediate danger and unexpected silence?
• Real example defined
• Counterexample considered
• Lead and backup agreed
• Real-phone rehearsal
• Second channel available
• Tool limitation explicit

My Safe Circle supports communication with trusted contacts. It is not an emergency service or medical device, does not automatically detect every event, and cannot guarantee phone access, connectivity, delivery, reading, response or action.

Frequently asked questions