When to use a staff alarm system: a guide for healthcare workers

Staff alarm systems operate through a network of alarm transmitters, receivers and display units.

For the Pinpoint System, individuals are given a discreet personal alarm (or Personal Infrared Transmitted), which, when activated, transmits signals to receivers installed throughout the facility. These signals are then sent to display units, such as pagers, mobiles and desktops, sharing the caller ID, location and alarm level to a response team.

Taking just milliseconds from alarm activation to display, the Pinpoint alarm system allows for a rapid response when needed. Whether it is a patient calling for help or a healthcare worker in need of urgent support, the Pinpoint System ensures assistance can be summoned with the press of a button.

Staff alarm systems enable those in need to summon a response when it is needed most. The Pinpoint P2 System, built on 30 years of experience, offers a uniquely powerful solution:

Robust: To withstand tampering, vandalism and daily wear and tear.

Reliable: Infrared signals guarantee accuracy at all times.

Efficient: Taking mere milliseconds from activation to display, the System facilitates the timely response to alarm calls.

Precise: Identifies the exact location and severity of the alarm call to deliver an efficient response when needed most.

Safety alarm systems can be used in any high-risk incident or to call for assistance quickly.

• In high-risk incidents

In healthcare settings, the Pinpoint safety alarm system is often used in emergency situations, such as violence toward a staff member or patient, security threats, or environmental hazards.

With an “Emergency” and “Assistance” alarm call available, the Pinpoint System notifies staff of the exact location and severity of a high-risk incident, facilitating the rapid intervention and de-escalation of potentially harmful situations. When the “Emergency” call is triggered, staff react accordingly, allocating the necessary resource to reduce risk.

• To request additional help

In busy healthcare settings, staff may need to call on additional help to carry out day-to-day tasks, such as carrying out a group activity, taking a bathroom break when monitoring a 1-1 patient, or moving a patient. The ‘Assistance’ call alarm on the Pinpoint System provides healthcare workers with a tool to summon an extra pair of hands, increasing efficiency and productivity on the ward.

Equally, patients may need to request extra support at times, such as when using the bathroom or accessing outdoor areas. In these scenarios, a ‘Patient’ alarm – which is accessed via a wall-mounted unit – alerts staff to a patient request and facilitates the timely allocation of assistance.

• During medical emergencies

Safety alarm systems are also used to alert healthcare professionals to a medical emergency. Staff can activate their personal alarm to request urgent assistance for a patient in a severe or deteriorating condition. The speed and precision with which the Pinpoint System works facilitate fast professional intervention to prevent further risk of harm to the patient.

Likewise, in healthcare settings such as care facilities, where residents may be more vulnerable to accidents, the ‘Patient’ alarm can be activated should a resident feel unwell or take a fall. Residents can activate the Patient call by pressing the button on the wall-mounted unit or pressing the button on a Wrist-worn alarm device to call for medical assistance. 

Interested in a Pinpoint alarm system for your workplace? Get in touch with us to discuss your staff safety needs.