How does a portable panic alarm work?
If an employee feels threatened or is under attack, they can trigger the portable panic alarm by pressing the emergency button. This immediate action alerts the monitoring center, initiating a rapid response to the situation.
GPS positioning
One of the standout features of a portable panic alarm is its ability to transmit precise GPS coordinates directly to a monitoring center. This ensures rapid response and accurate location tracking, which is critical for lone worker safety. The GPS functionality allows emergency responders to locate the employee quickly, minimising response time and enhancing safety.
Alerting the control center
Upon receiving the alarm, the monitoring center silently verifies the situation to avoid escalating any potential threats. This process ensures that emergency resources are allocated effectively, providing the necessary support without alerting potential aggressors.
Managing the alarm at the control center
Once the control center receives the alarm, several steps are taken to ensure the safety of the lone worker:
- Verification of the situation: Operators first confirm the legitimacy of the alarm to prevent false activations. Silent verification methods are often employed to avoid alerting potential threats, ensuring a discreet and effective response.
- Coordinating emergency response: Following a predefined protocol, the control center may immediately contact emergency services, such as the An Garda Síochána, or dispatch a mobile patrol security guard to assist the employee. This coordination ensures that help is on the way swiftly.
- Ongoing monitoring: After emergency services have been deployed, the control center continues monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of the employee until assistance arrives. This ongoing support provides reassurance and security for the lone worker.
Who can benefit from this solution?
This solution is ideal for professionals and individuals exposed to security risks while working alone or in unpredictable environments. Various sectors can benefit from the enhanced safety provided by portable panic alarms:
- Retail and Hospitality staff: Employees can discreetly raise an alarm when using a phone may not be safe, ensuring their protection in potentially volatile situations.
- Healthcare professionals: Carers, doctors, and nurses visiting patients’ homes can rely on a panic button for immediate assistance, enhancing their safety during home visits.
- Engineers, Salespeople, and Security Guards: Those working alone or on large sites benefit from an added layer of protection, ensuring their safety in isolated environments.
- Delivery drivers and Night workers: Operating in unfamiliar or high-risk areas, these workers can enhance their safety with instant access to emergency support.
- Construction and Utility workers: Often performing tasks in isolated locations, these workers can use the device to call for immediate help if needed.
- Social workers, Journalists, and Outreach staff: Facing unpredictable situations, these professionals find portable panic alarms an essential safety measure.
- Elderly care: Individuals requiring an emergency panic button for elderly care can ensure rapid assistance for those in need, providing peace of mind for caregivers and families.
Panic alarms, particularly portable models, are essential tools for lone worker protection. Unlike traditional fixed panic buttons, these devices provide enhanced mobility, real-time GPS tracking, and immediate communication with control centers. Implementing portable panic alarms in the workplace helps ensure that employees, especially lone workers, receive timely assistance in emergency situations, ultimately improving overall safety and security.
To learn more about how Securitas can help protect your lone workers, please visit: Securitas lone worker services
