Every hospital wants to provide a safe environment for employees and patients. Peace of mind and personal safety should be paramount in a healthcare environment. Unfortunately, however, threats to life, safety, and security can crop up anywhere.
Emergency departments, psychiatric departments dealing with mental health issues, and geriatric facilities are at higher risk for assaults when compared to other healthcare environments.
In every hospital, there is a chance that an angry or unstable patient, distraught family member, someone experiencing mental or emotional distress, a thief or intruder will cause or threaten violence in the establishment. Installation of panic alarms can be an effective security solution for hospitals who want to mitigate risk and danger to employees, patients, and their families.
While we typically think about fire alarms when we think about security alert systems, there are in fact other options available to healthcare facilities to keep everyone safe. Here are some basics about panic alarm systems and how they work in medical settings.
What is a panic button?
A panic button is a strategically placed or hidden button that automatically alerts police to an emergency situation. These buttons are small and usually placed in a discreet location, like just under the lip of a desk, or a pharmacy counter.
It’s important to place buttons in locations where healthcare workers or staff members will likely be at the time of a situation. When a situation escalates, an employee should be able to quickly hit the button without anyone noticing. On-duty police in the area will be dispatched to your location immediately.
In order for this system to work, it’s key to make sure hospital staff have clear guidance and procedures to follow, including when to use the panic button.
Key areas for security system buttons
There are certain areas within hospitals that tend to be high risk areas:
- All receptionist desks
- Hospital pharmacy counter
- Emergency room entrance
- Any other high risk areas
Personal emergency alert systems
Some hospitals may feel the need to protect certain employees at all times and do not feel that the hardwired panic buttons located throughout their facility is sufficient protection for certain staff members. In scenarios such as this, wearable, wireless panic alarm options are also available. While we tend to think of these personal alert systems as being primarily for seniors, the fact is they can be used within commercial organizations as well.
When it comes to notifying the appropriate individuals to your need for help, it’s not enough to rely on your smartphone. For one thing, not everyone has their phone on them all the time. A medical alert system, on the other hand, is worn on your person, which means you can’t forget it on a table or leave it in another room.
The benefits of an integrated security system
Security Alarm’s panic alert devices can be added onto a security system that is already in place or if there is no existing system, an entire panic alert system could be installed which includes a wireless controller, a cellular communicator, wireless panic buttons, as well as all programming and installation tech support.
With over 40 years in the business, Security Alarm is prepared to meet your organization’s security needs. We offer knowledgeable, personalized customer service, and prompt responses to service calls.
Site security for a healthcare facility is about more than ID badges for your employees, patients, and visitors, although those things are important. Let us help you game out a system for your alarms, alerts, and panic buttons.
Your staff and clinicians deserve a safe environment. Your patients and their families deserve to know they’re receiving care in a secure, protected setting. If your clinic, hospital, or other healthcare facility wants to install a panic alarm system, Security Alarm is standing by to address your questions and concerns.
More information on Panic Buttons:
Senior Panic Buttons & Elderly Panic Alarms
Home Panic Buttons
Does My Business Need a Panic Button?
