A WCD system includes a support structure configured to be worn by a patient, a portable antenna coupled to the support structure, a rechargeable WCD battery, and a charger for recharging the WCD battery. The portable antenna is configured to transmit wirelessly to the charger an encoded message from components that are worn by the patient on the support structure. The charger also includes a charger antenna configured to receive the encoded message, and a user interface configured to output a human-perceptible indication responsive to the received encoded message. Accordingly, a message communicated from the WCD system will appear at the location of the charger, which is a more predictable location for a human attendant than the location of the patient.
