What should I do if a medical alert button overheats and will not charge?
Answer
Stop charging immediately if a medical alert pendant is hot. Remove it from the charger, let it cool in a safe place, and contact the alert provider for a replacement—do not keep charging a swollen or overheating battery device.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Stop using a charging device that is hot, swollen, smoking, or giving off odor—battery faults can be dangerous.
- Do not puncture or disassemble the pendant battery pack.
Follow these steps
Stop charging and cool the device
Unplug or remove the pendant from the charger immediately if it is hot, and place it on a hard nonflammable surface to cool. Do not keep wearing it until it cools and support advises next steps.
You should see: The device is no longer being powered while overheated.
Inspect for damage
After it cools, look for swelling, cracks, leaking, or burn smell. Do not resume charging if any of those are present.
You should see: You know whether the unit looks physically damaged.
Contact the alert provider for replacement
Call the official number on the pendant, base station, or subscriber paperwork, describe the heat and dual-light behavior, and request a replacement unit/charger.
You should see: The provider starts a replacement or troubleshooting shipment.
Use a backup safety plan meanwhile
Until the replacement arrives, arrange another way for the user to call for help (working phone nearby, caregiver check-ins) as advised by the provider.
You should see: The person is not left without a temporary help method while the faulty button is out of service.
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Extra tips
What to look for: Device heat, red and green lights on together, failure to reach a normal full-charge indication, and any swelling or odor
Before you change anything: Remove the device from the charger if it is hot. Keep it away from bedding or paper while cooling. Have the subscriber account/serial number ready for the provider. Do not puncture the battery or open the pendant.