With the majority of the UK’s acute hospitals and many overseas already having invested in a Static Systems Group (SSG) nurse call system, the company has developed two attack alarm solutions which use exactly the same technology platform, allowing existing infrastructure, mobile and indicating devices to be multi-purposed.
The benefits are manifold and include reduced installation, set-up and running costs, as well as ease of use for staff because they will already be familiar with the system. using the same technology as the company’s critical alarm notification systems, SSG has been able to develop two of the most powerful, versatile and cost-competitive attack alarm solutions available on the market today.
The new Ultima™ and Codemlon™ attack alarm systems operate in exactly the same way as each other, using high-frequency infrared communication between the staff fob and ceiling-mounted receivers. The only difference between the two is the technology used to connect with other systems that may already be on site.
The Ultima attack alarm solution uses TCP/IP protocol at its core, whilst the Codemlon solution uses LonWorks™ technology and is IP-ready.
“Sadly, aggression towards staff working in healthcare settings is an unfortunate reality. Since the 1980’s SSG has been providing personnel attack alarm systems as a means of staff calling for immediate assistance – helping to defuse an incident quickly and effectively,” says SSG’s marketing manager, Jennie Terry.
“While discussing our next generation attack alarm solution we thought it important to reduce costs where we could to help healthcare providers and, in particular, the trusts we have worked with for many years. The obvious answer was to maximise the use of the infrastructure and equipment already installed. By taking this approach it also means that the attack alarm system will be more convenient for staff to use, and hospitals can benefit from the extensive range of additional features provided through our Fusion Healthcare Platform.”
The ‘platform-independent’ nature of the attack alarm systems also makes them suited to working with third-party security and building management networks, as well as SSG’s Fusion Healthcare Platform which offers many advanced communication integration features for improved safety, well-being, workflow efficiency and empowerment of care teams.
SSG’s attack alarm solutions are simple to use and reliable. In the event of an incident, the staff fob is ‘pulled’. Crucially, it remains attached to the individual, allowing the member of staff to be located in real-time if they move and, if required, call for further assistance.
The system displays multiple calls in the order they were received, with an attack signal overriding all assistance calls.
In order to facilitate best practice for individual departments, sophisticated software provides site- specific programming of mobile devices, such as smartphones and pagers, as well as desk top computers and indicators located at staff bases.
Programming options include: follow-the-light over door LEDs; automatic door operation; ‘silent mode’ to prevent aggravating critical situations; ‘zoning’ in areas so that only local incidents are displayed; named user identification; data recording and archiving for future analysis and reporting.
Although designed to be seamlessly integrated with nurse call solutions, the systems can operate independently, making them ideal for use in acute hospitals, mental health environments, day care centres and GP surgeries.