RF Technologies® Releases Enhancements to Help Alert Wireless Panic Button Solution

BROOKFIELD, Wis., Oct. 31, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- RF Technologies^®, a leading provider of RFID and RTLS safety and security solutions, has released version 2.1 of its Help Alert^® Wireless Staff Duress Solution, which provides priority-based alerts, universal device access through HTML5, and a simple desktop application.

Help Alert uses discreet mobile panic buttons, or pendants, as a proactive, cost-effective solution to protect staff, patients, teachers, students and guests. When pressed, pendants broadcast a silent alarm that can be configured to alert security teams, first responders, or local police through a computer or mobile device.

"The increased need for safety in places like schools, hospitals and hotels means facilities are looking for a simple, yet multi-functional duress solution. Help Alert is as easy to use as it always has been, now with more features that help get a fast response when it's needed most," said Bill Bulzoni, vice president of business development, PinPoint.

Multi-mode alarms

Instead of having a system that only summons onsite support or calls the police, both types of duress calls can be made from one button on the Help Alert pendant with the multi-mode feature. Pressing the button once will generate a normal alarm. If the button is pressed and held, or pressed multiple times within a short period, a priority alarm is generated.

"Many facilities regularly experience safety and security challenges that don't require external police intervention. But, the option has to be available when it's needed. The multi-mode feature enables a user to call for assistance from local responders, or generate a priority alarm in a worst-case scenario that can also dial 911," Bulzoni said.

An LED on the face of the pendant is red when in alarm and will turn green once the alarm has been acknowledged, letting the user know that help is on the way. An alarm can also be escalated to a priority level, and the LED will display multiple colors at once so the user knows the alarm was successfully escalated.

Universal device access

The Help Alert 2.1 software interface now runs in HTML5, enabling more flexibility and mobile monitoring options. The same interface can be run on any device with an HTML5 browser, including nearly all smart phones, tablets, laptops and desktop computers. Dedicated iOS apps also remain available.

Once a panic alarm is activated, an alert is sent to all devices running the Help Alert interface. The pendant's location is displayed on a facility floor plan so staff can be located even if they're on the move. Integrate software with a facility's security cameras to see real-time video of the location where the alert is occurring.

Simple desktop app

The Help Alert desktop application has been introduced as an always-active service on a user's computer. The app runs silently in the background and can't be accidentally shut-off, ensuring alarms are received. When a pendant is activated, the app automatically takes over the desktop and plays an audible alarm. The app requires an action to be taken, such as acknowledging the alarm, before it can be minimized.

Help Alert is powered by RTLS technology within an existing Wi-Fi infrastructure, which means no wires, power cables, or new construction work is needed for installation.

About RF Technologies

RF Technologies is a leading provider of safety and security solutions for the healthcare, hospitality, and education markets, leveraging radio frequency identification (RFID) and PinPoint^® real-time locating system (RTLS) technologies. The RF Technologies brand family includes Code Alert^®, Help Alert^®, Safe Place^®, Sensatec^® and ExacTrack^®. With more than 10,000 installations, it was the first in the industry to offer remote monitoring, RF consulting, 24/7 technical support by internal staff specialists, and a nationwide service team. Learn more at www.rft.com.

SOURCE RF Technologies