Beating the Heat: How Wearable Medical Alert Devices Keep Canadian Seniors Safe in Summer

By: Eryn
June 25 2025
BMA Blog

Summer in Canada isn’t what it used to be. Heatwaves are becoming more frequent, more intense, and more dangerous – especially for older adults. This July, Toronto hit record-breaking temperatures, leaving many vulnerable seniors at risk for dehydration, fainting, and heat stroke.

For families with aging loved ones in major cities like Toronto, Ottawa, and Calgary, the stakes are rising. But so is the technology that helps keep seniors safe. Wearable medical alert systems – from GPS-enabled pendants to emergency necklaces – are no longer just for falls. They’re becoming an essential line of defense when heat, isolation, or power outages create life-threatening conditions.

Here’s how Canadians are using wearable Bedford Medical Alert systems to beat the heat – and stay independent all summer long.

Alan’s Morning Fall – Toronto

Alan, an 80-year-old retired school principal in East York, Toronto, started his Tuesday like he always does – with a walk to check his mailbox just after 10 a.m. But it was already 29°C, and the humidity was climbing. As he bent to pick up a flyer, Alan felt dizzy. A moment later, he was on the ground beside his front steps, disoriented and unable to stand.

Alan was wearing his Bedford GPS Medical Alert Pendant, something his daughter had insisted on just in case. The device automatically detected the fall and alerted Bedford’s monitoring center within seconds. An operator connected through the pendant’s speaker, confirmed his location, and dispatched EMS.

His daughter received a real-time notification and arrived at Toronto General Hospital minutes after Alan had been admitted. Doctors confirmed it was a heat-related fainting episode – a mild case of heat exhaustion that could have turned serious without immediate help.

“I never thought something like this would happen 10 feet from my door,” Alan said. Now Alan says he wears it every day – heat or no heat.

Why this matters:

Seniors are especially susceptible to heat stroke and dehydration. On a hot summer day in Toronto, a GPS medical alert pendant can mean the difference between a minor scare and a medical emergency.

Sheila’s Emergency Pendant Activation During Ottawa Blackout

Sheila, 84, lives alone in an older home in Ottawa’s Westboro neighbourhood. She’s independent, active, and stubbornly self-reliant – the kind of person who brushes off heat warnings with a fan and a cold glass of water.

But last summer, during a daylong power outage in building in Ottawa, her modest window A/C unit and refrigerator went offline. By the third day, the inside temperature had climbed above 27°C. Sheila had stopped drinking as much water to ration what she had in her thermos, and she started to feel lightheaded.

She reached for her cell phone but found it completely dead. That’s when she remembered the Bedford Medical Alert Necklace her son had given her a few months earlier. She pressed the help button and within seconds, she was speaking to a trained operator through the pendant’s built-in speaker.

Paramedics arrived shortly after and found her mildly dehydrated and disoriented – a condition that could’ve escalated into full-blown heat stroke if not caught early.

“I didn’t think I’d ever need that necklace. I just wore it to keep my son happy,” Sheila said later.

Why this matters:

In cities like Ottawa, where summer blackouts are becoming more common, relying on mobile phones alone is a risky bet for seniors. A medical alert necklace in Canada provides another independent battery-powered access to help – even when the lights go out.

Nora’s Heat Scare and GPS Watch Rescue in Calgary

Nora, 77, lives in Calgary’s Brentwood community, just a few blocks from Nose Hill Park. She’s sharp, energetic, and walks the park’s perimeter trails nearly every morning – even in the summer heat.

But last August, during a stretch of 30°C days, Nora’s usual routine took a dangerous turn. About 20 minutes into her walk, she felt lightheaded. The heat and sun exposure, combined with her heart medication, triggered sudden weakness and nausea. She sat down on a shaded bench but couldn’t shake the dizziness.

She was alone – no phone, no pedestrians in sight. But she was wearing her Bedford “Go Anywhere” GPS Watch, which her daughter had set up the month prior. Nora pressed the help button, and within moments, a Bedford operator connected with her and located her position using built-in GPS.

First responders found her quickly, just inside the west entrance of the park. Nora didn’t need hospitalization, but her daughter was called, and Nora was safely back home before the situation could escalate.

“I used to think the watch was overkill. Now I think it’s freedom,” Nora said.

Why this matters:

For active seniors in cities like Calgary, a GPS medical alert pendant or watch isn’t just about emergencies – it’s a lifeline that enables independence without sacrificing safety, especially during dangerous summer temperatures.

Why Bedford Systems Are Built for Canada’s Climate Extremes

Canada’s weather doesn’t just challenge people – it challenges technology. At Bedford Medical Alert, our devices are engineered to handle both scorching summers and harsh winters.