Requesting emergency services using a set-top box

Abstract

Methods, systems, and a remote control for sending emergency alert requests are disclosed. The methods and systems comprise receiving an emergency alert request from a user via a set-top box at a subscriber location. The emergency alert request is received from a remote control. A medical alert message is sent by the set-top box to a processing device, based on the received medical alert request, via a first network. The processing device sends an emergency alert instruction to provide emergency assistance to the subscriber location to an emergency assistance service provider, via a second network, based, at least in part, on the message. A request to provide medical assistance to the subscriber location may be sent to a medical assistance service provider, who may be a third party. Emergency alert requests for the police or fire department may be sent to a 9-1-1 service.