A battery-powered multi-purpose device intended to be worn around the waist by a vulnerable person to: 1) detect in-progress, laterally-impacting falls and deploy an airbag-like guard to reduce the risk of hip injury (e.g., fracture, dislocation); 2) remotely alert caregivers (e.g., via the internet or other network) whilst providing local audio, visual and haptic alerts; 3) record event data (e.g., falls, patient balance); and 4) allow a patient to manually initiate an alert signal for help. It includes balance sensors/accelerometers, wireless network features, user controls (e.g., via a smart device app), a call button, and deployable inflatable hip protectors. This is a reusable device.