A method for communicating data using at least one network linking at least one respondent device with at least one monitoring device, said method comprising the steps of: continuously measuring at least one physiologic parameter for purposes of detecting a predetermined event using said at least one monitoring device; operating said network in an off state in which said network is off except for the periodic transmission of patient status data while said network is in a first operative state wherein said predetermined event has not occurred and transmitting said measured data along said at least one said network in a second state when said predetermined event has occurred.