Life Alert Emergency Response, Inc., known as Life Alert, is a nationwide American personal emergency response systems provider, with headquarters in Encino, California, US, which provides services that help elderly people contact emergency services using medical alert, panic button and on-the-go GPS devices. The company was founded in 1987. The company's system offers a variety of medical alert devices including home-based systems as well as mobile systems with GPS that can be used outside of home. The small wireless help button is worn by the user at all times, including at night or while bathing. Former Surgeon General C. Everett Koop appeared in commercials for Life Alert starting in 1992, stating that he used one. He remained a spokesman for the company until his death in 2013.