A remote alarm for use with a wearable medical device. The remote alarm is configured to receive alarms, voice messages and prompts issued by the wearable medical device and to repeat those alarms, voice messages and prompts in a manner that can more easily be perceived by a patient wearing the wearable medical device or a bystander. The remote alarm can be configured to receive a communication from the wearable medical device, and in response, to identify one or more messages to be provided to the patient or a bystander. The messages may be provided audibly, visually, tactilely or combinations thereof. The remote alarm may further be configured to take certain actions depending upon the content of the communication, such as sending a telephone message to alert emergency personnel to the identity, location and medical condition of the patient, or sending an email.