Why Hospitals Should Have Panic Alarm Systems

 

Hospital patients, their relatives and friends can experience a variety of emotions from happiness to grief to concern, among many others. Unfortunately, in the past few years one of those primary emotions is anger. As hospitals across the United States have been subjected to the wrath of COVID-19 and the added pressures accompanying it, nurses, doctors and administrators have faced increased threats and violence.

Violence against healthcare workers has always been a concern, but the number of incidents has multiplied as the COVID stress became exponential. There is always the possibility of an angry family member, a distraught patient or visitor having mental or emotional problems that cause or threaten violence. It may even be a burglar or unwanted trespasser. 

Emergency panic alarms can be a helpful security tool for hospitals and clinics who want to diminish potential danger to nurses, doctors, administrators and general staff and provide peace of mind to the entire facility. That’s why many hospitals and clinics are now installing panic buttons.

What is a Hospital Panic Button and How Do They Work?

A hospital panic button is a strategically placed mechanism which automatically signals police or security about an emergency. The buttons are small and installed in a hidden area such as under a desk or counter.  Good locations for panic buttons include:

●       Pharmacy counters

●       Entrance to Emergency Room

●       Receptionist Desk

●       Any other high-risk areas of a hospital or health care facility

Panic buttons should be placed in areas of high risk for violence where a staff member would have easy access to quickly and quietly notify security. Once the hospital panic button is activated local police will be dispatched to the location without delay.

Individual Wireless Panic Buttons Provide Personal Safety

There is an even greater level of protection than hardwired panic buttons strategically located throughout a hospital. Some hospitals are offering protection to certain employees at all times. Wireless, individual alarm systems clipped to uniforms or hung on lanyards are available for increased personal safety and immediate dispatch.

 These panic buttons to call for help are often thought of for seniors, most of us have seen the ads  “I’ve fallen and all can’t get up”.  These personal panic buttons can be extremely useful and effective in providing immediate and widespread safety for hospital employees. With an individual panic alarm button, a tracking system is set off if the button is pushed and security personnel know exactly where the employee is located through the hospital computer network.

The Cox Medical Center in Branson, MO recently outfitted 300 to 400 staff working in the emergency department and inpatient rooms with personal panic buttons as assaults by patients tripled between 2019 and 2020. According to a recent news report, 123 attacks against hospital staff were reported in 2020, up from 40 in 2019. Injuries related to the assaults jumped from 17 to 78 during the same period.

For any panic system to work, individual or strategically placed buttons, it is essential to ensure hospital employees are crystal clear on protocols and procedures to follow in the event of an emergency or unstable patient or visitor.

HRSS Offers Integrated Hospital Security and Panic Button Solutions

Providing healthcare in a safe environment should be the priority of all hospitals and healthcare facilities.  Threats to health care facilities, however,  pop up anywhere at any time. All hospitals should have an emergency preparedness strategy and train staff on how to respond in an emergency including how to use strategically placed or personal panic buttons.

High Rise Security Systems, HRSS, is a leading provider of commercial fire alarm and life safety systems for hospitals, hotels, college campuses and many businesses in and around Chicago. We offer integrated security solutions and design your life safety system around your unique needs and risks.

High Rise Security Systems (HRSS) is a leading fire and life safety provider to commercial properties including hospitals and healthcare facilities in and around Chicago. We offer fire alarm system consulting, UL listed equipment, alarm system design and comprehensive services including testing, maintenance and monitoring.  Contact us to learn more about protecting your healthcare facility and occupants with integrated security systems and panic alarms.

This article was originally published at: https://hrsschicago.com/security-alarms/why-hospitals-should-have-panic-alarm-systems/

 

Security Systems For Businesses in 2022

 

Protecting your business is an important part of ownership. Business owners have often invested years into their company and ideas, focusing on what they love and providing quality products or services. A lot of time and energy is put into business ownership, the same effort put into running a business needs to be put into protecting that business with reliable fire safety and security systems. 

Go Above and Beyond Fire Safety with Integrated Security

Commercial fire alarm systems are a critical part of protecting people and property but going above and beyond fire safety with integrated security provides maximum protection.  As we start a new year, it’s a good time to talk with your fire and life safety system provider about identifying any gaps that may be in your business security system. High Rise Security Systems, HRSS, is a leading commercial fire alarm system consultant and provider, helping companies to go beyond fire safety with integrated security systems.

Chicago is a busy city with some of the strictest fire alarm regulations in the nation. HRSS is familiar with all local fire safety regulations including the Chicago Building Code as well as state and national code regulations. We offer complete commercial fire alarm system design, going beyond code compliance for customized and integrated security systems. Integrated security systems include many components such as:

●       Quality UL listed fire alarm system equipment

●       Security systems such as key card entry access

●       Video surveillance equipment for 24/7 monitoring

●       Reliable system monitoring with dispatch to emergency providers

●       Notification system such as strobes and audible evacuation procedures

 HRSS protects your people and property with all of these integral components of integrated security systems and in-depth knowledge of all code regulations. We customize your integrated security system to meet your needs and protect what matters most.

Stay up to Date with Fire Alarm System Technology

 Fire alarm system technology is continually evolving with the leading fire alarm equipment manufacturers providing enhanced, innovative life safety solutions. NOTIFIER™ by Honeywell offers some of the most advanced, integrated fire and life safety technology on the market.  NOTIFIER’s 3-pronged integrated solution includes the first UL listed smoke detectors that test themselves. This saves fire alarm inspection companies a lot of time, saving companies money and ensuring reliable smoke and fire detection even from smoke detectors in hard-to-reach places.

Combined with smart fire alarm control panels and a networkable software system, companies are in complete control of their fire safety and security with instant access to compliance reports and more.

Combine innovative fire alarm system technology with a carefully planned out commercial fire alarm system design, and customized components such as key card entry access, video surveillance and monitoring for a commercial fire alarm system that provides reliable protection against various safety threats.

HRSS leads the industry with commercial fire alarm and life safety system services including integrated security for maximum protection. We offer comprehensive services including fire safety consulting, quality equipment, testing, inspection, maintenance, and upgrades. Contact us to learn more about protecting your business with customized, integrated fire alarm, life safety and security systems.

This article was originally published at: https://hrsschicago.com/security-alarms/security-systems-for-businesses-in-2022/

 

 

 

How to Implement Card Access Security Systems

Using an electric key card system is a convenient way to enhance security and grant specific access rights to employees. There are many options with keyless access control and different types of key fob door entry systems. Card access security systems provide many benefits and can easily be implemented to enhance the security of your business.  Key card access systems are common in residential apartment buildings or homeowner association (HOA) communities, parking garages, office buildings,  and other types of businesses.  Key card access can also open gates and exterior doors in addition to interior doors. 

How Do Key Card Door Entry Systems Work?

Key fob and key card door entry systems are a common security method for many businesses and have been around for at least a few decades. Key card access can be accomplished in different ways, whether swiping through a card reader, held up to a card reader or the push of a button on a key fob. Some access systems can also open with a smartphone app. Key card entry systems need three components to work, including:

 

●       Credentials for access – key fobs and key cards are small electronic devices that grant access credentials to specific people. They contain a built-in sensor or chip that communicates to the access reader.

 

●       Access reader – the access reader is the component that scans the card to verify access and gives instructions to unlock the door.

 

●       Magnetic or electric door lock  - magnetic or electric door locks allow the door to unlock from the signal received by the access reader.

 Once a person gains access through a magnetic or electric door lock, the door shuts and returns to the locked position which once again requires key card access.  Card reader access can be designed with various levels of access so different employees can access only certain areas. Group privilege can be given for certain events.  Electronic card reader access also keeps track of who entered what area, and when, to further enhance security measures.

Types of Key Fobs and Key Cards

Here are the most common types of key fobs and cards used to control access:

Wiegand Key Cards – developed in the 1970’s, these access cards store unique binary data that cannot be reprogrammed by magnetic fields often used with legacy security systems. These types of access cards are becoming outdated although with simple technology they can be a bit more durable without the use of microchips. The Wiegand protocol, however, is a standard interface and even new access security systems convert data to a Wiegand identifier.

Key Cards to Swipe - a swipe key card looks like a classic credit card with a magnetic strip holding data for credentials along one edge of the card. Employees simply swipe the card through a magnetic reader to unlock a door. Swipe key cards are easy to use, all transactions are fully traceable and provide an inexpensive solution for businesses with many employees.  This type of entry system may not be ideal in places with high traffic as bottlenecks can occur or from areas that must be accessed from a car door window which might be difficult. Swipe cards can also experience wear over other types of access systems and may require more maintenance.

RFID Cards and Fobs – Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) fobs or cards transmit stored data to an access reader on a radio frequency. Different frequency ranges can be designed to allow for various levels of security access. RFID fobs and proximity cards typically need to be in close proximity to the access reader. RFID security systems can also incorporate a keypad for a two-factor authentication. Smart cards use Near-Field Communication (NFC) to transmit data, use encryption for increased security and have more storage than RFID cards. 

HRSS is your leading fire and life safety system expert in the Chicago area, offering comprehensive services including fire alarm design, full services and UL listed equipment. We offer decades of experience and in-depth expertise in all fire alarm and life safety code regulations as well as the best way to implement them for your business and building type. Contact your fire and life safety system specialist, HRSS, to learn more about key card access security systems.

This article was originally published at: https://hrsschicago.com/security-alarms/how-to-implement-card-access-security-systems/