How Does a Duress Alarm System Work? (2023 Guide)
What is a Duress Alarm?
A duress alarm is a small device, often worn as a discreet pendant around the neck, on a belt loop, or as a watch that allows for the wearer to call for help in an emergency. The system typically consists of an SOS button and two-way communication that can be used to send a duress signal to a monitoring centre or security personnel.
In this guide, we will take a look at how duress alarms work, who they are for, and the different types of devices that are available. We will also provide some tips on how to choose the right duress alarm system for your needs.
What is a Duress Alarm & How does a Duress Alarm System work:
A personal duress alarm is a device or system that is used to signal that an individual is in danger or under duress. They normally take the shape of a pendant, wristwatch or another small device that can be discreetly carried on your person. They operate either independently or in conjunction with a base unit as described later in this article.
Duress alarms can be used in a variety of situations, including:
when someone feels unsafe, or is being threatened or assaulted
when an individual is at risk of domestic violence
when the wearer experiences a fall at work or at home
Duress alarms are commonly used by lone workers, such as security guards, healthcare professionals, social workers and others who work in isolated or high-risk environments, or other potentially dangerous situations.
It is also commonly used by people experiencing the risks of a violent spouse or family member. Alarms can be provided in silent mode so as not to alert perpetrators when an alarm has been activated.
When an individual feels threatened or is otherwise in danger, they can activate their duress manually by pressing a panic button, or they can be set to automatically activate if the user is away from a safe location or experiences a fall.
There are several different types of duress alarm systems available on the market. The most common type of duress alarm is the panic button alarm. Panic button alarms are small, handheld devices that can be carried by an individual at all times.
There are also in-home duress alarm systems, which can be used to monitor and protect individuals who are at risk of domestic violence or abuse. In-home duress alarm systems usually consist of a base alarm unit, which is connected to the home's telephone line, and a wearable panic button. The Tunstall SmartLink Guardian 4G is an example of an in-home alarm system that helps people live more independently.
Another type of duress alarm system is the personal alarm with GPS. GPS alarms use satellite technology to track the location of the user and can be configured to send an alert if they move away from a predetermined safe area. GPS duress alarms are often used to monitor employees who work in remote or high-risk locations, or people living with dementia who may get disoriented or lost more easily. The Tunstall Gem4 is a market-leading personal alarm device with built-in GPS and fall detection features, making it popular for a variety of applications including lone worker safety and elderly independent living.
If you work in an isolated environment or are the only person working in your office late at night, duress alarms give you the reassurance that help is just a button away should you need it. Other examples of lone workers include healthcare & social workers, or those who work in dangerous or isolated environments like mining & factory workers, truck/delivery drivers, lab workers, and others.
If you have a medical condition that could put you at risk if you were to fall or have an accident, duress alarms provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones, knowing that emergency assistance can be dispatched immediately should you need it.
Aggressive behaviour towards healthcare workers is on the rise, with a 55% increase in assaults in the past five years. Healthcare and aged care workers are exposed on a daily basis to personal safety risks, especially when travelling for work or doing in-home care where help may not be immediately available. A wireless duress alarm or panic button can be life-saving in these situations, so the worker can contact their team for help.
If you are caring for an elderly or disabled person who lives alone, duress alarms can provide peace of mind knowing that they can easily summon help should they need it.
A duress safety alarm system typically consists of three main components:
a duress device, worn by the individual at risk
a monitoring centre, which receives duress signals and dispatches help
a response team, which can be alerted to attend the scene if needed
Duress alarm systems work by sending a duress signal to a monitoring centre (such as the 24/7 Tunstall Connected Care Centre) or predetermined emergency contacts when the panic button is activated. The duress signal can be sent via a dedicated duress alarm network, a mobile phone network, or a satellite network, depending on the make, model and configuration of the device.
In Duress mode, the monitoring centre staff won't generally speak with the alarm wearer/user, but instead monitor the situation through one-way communication and respond accordingly and in line with agreed processes.
There are many benefits to using a duress alarm, including:
providing peace of mind and safety for the individual wearing the device
giving family, friends and carers peace of mind knowing that their loved one can summon help at the touch of a button
getting help rapidly in an emergency situation, such as the wearer experiencing a fall, accident or assault while working remotely
If you or someone you know is at risk of domestic violence, a duress alarm can provide an invaluable layer of protection and peace of mind. Duress alarms are also commonly used by lone workers and people living with dementia, making them a versatile safety solution for a wide range of situations.
Duress alarm systems can also be used to monitor employee safety in high-risk environments, or to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations in workplaces such as construction sites.
Read more: How Assistive Technology and Connected Care Can Improve Lone Worker Safety
There are many situations when it might be appropriate to activate a duress alarm, including:
if you feel threatened or in danger
if you have been the victim of domestic violence
if you are working alone in a high-risk environment
if you are living with dementia and become disoriented or lost
if you are experiencing a medical emergency such as a fall or heart attack
If you find yourself in any of these situations, or any other situation where you feel unsafe, activating your duress alarm will summon help quickly and give you peace of mind knowing that assistance is on its way. With Tunstall's Connected Care monitoring service, a Care Consultant will be able to speak with you directly through the alarm device and will stay on the line with you until help arrives - 24/7, no matter where you are.
When choosing a duress alarm system, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind, including:
Duress devices come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from small pendants that can be worn around the neck or wrist like a duress watch, to larger mobile devices that can be carried in a pocket or bag. Choose a duress device that is comfortable to wear and easy to use, so you will be more likely to activate it in an emergency situation.
As mentioned above, duress signals can be sent via a dedicated duress alarm network, a mobile phone network, or a satellite network. Consider your specific needs and choose the duress alarm system that best meets them.
The response time is the amount of time it takes for the duress signal to be received and processed by the monitoring centre. When choosing a duress alarm system, make sure to inquire about the average response time so you can be sure you will receive help in a timely manner.
Duress alarm systems can vary widely in price, depending on the features and services included. Many providers offer stand-alone personal alarm devices which require the user to configure their own emergency contacts, whereas a monitored duress system like Tunstall's Connected Care ensures there is always someone to answer your emergency, 24/7, 365 days a year.
See below for our comparison of monitored vs unmonitored personal alarms:
24/7 monitoring - Send an alert and get assistance at any time of the day, wherever you are
Calls a dedicated Customer Care Centre who will assist you - avoids you having to call 000 or family
Great for independent living - get assistance as soon as possible even without family or friends nearby
Easy to set up - installs in minutes using existing phone/internet connection
Auto-dial feature - Automatically dial preselected contacts with the press of a button.
Personalised support - Get assistance from people you are comfortable with, such as family and friends.
Flexible contact list - Choose who you want to be contacted in an emergency, and easily update your contact list as needed.
Peace of mind - Feel secure knowing that your loved ones will be alerted and can provide assistance in case of an emergency.
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A variety of payment options and funding support are available to cater to each users’ unique needs.
Response time of the duress signal: How quickly the alarm system responds when the duress signal is activated.
Connection type: The type of network connection the device uses, such as 3G, 4G, etc. The Tunstall Gem4 is compatible with the 4G mobile network.
Monitoring options: Whether the service is professionally monitored or monitored by loved ones. Tunstall’s Gem4 offers both options.
Signal range from base unit: The distance from the base unit that the device can still send and receive signals.
Device durability: Whether the device is shockproof, waterproof, etc.
GPS traceability: Whether the device has GPS capabilities to accurately locate the wearer.
Management portal: Whether the device has a portal for contacts and device configuration. The Tunstall Gem4 has a management portal for contacts and device configuration.
Device feedback: How the device provides feedback to the user. The Tunstall Gem4 provides feedback through voice prompts and vibration.
As the world leader in Connected Care services, Tunstall Healthcare has over 65 years of experience in partnering with Allied Health providers, healthcare organisations, remote workers and independent living facilities in helping ensure the safety of clients and workers across the globe.
Our market-leading personal safety devices include a range of personal alarms, in-home alarms and personal safety apps for lone workers.
Please see our individual product pages for more information:
The Tunstall Gem4 - market-leading personal alarm with GPS and fall detection
The Tunstall SmartLink Guardian 4G - in-home alarm for independent living, with paired pendant
Lifestream by Guardian - #1 lone worker safety smartphone application that calls for help with one touch
Most duress alarms are activated by pressing a button on the pendant or base unit. Once you have pressed the duress alarm button, a connection will be established with the monitoring centre, at which time the Customer Care Consultant will be able to communicate with you to confirm your safety and provide assistance if necessary.
It is important to regularly test your duress alarm system to ensure it is working properly. Each device may have different testing capabilities or processes; you should consult your provider for instructions on how to test yours and how often.
A personal alarm is the more general term for the type of alarm used by the elderly and people living with disabilties
Anyone who wants the peace of mind that comes with knowing they can summon help at the touch of a button if they feel threatened or are in danger. Duress alarms are most frequently used by: lone workers, aged care and healthcare staff, security personnel, people living alone or with a disability, and the elderly.
When it comes to duress alarms, Tunstall Healthcare has you covered. We offer a wide range of duress alarm systems to meet your specific needs, including our Connected Care monitoring service for 24/7 peace of mind. Contact us today to learn more about our duress alarm and Connected Care solutions.
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