With, it claims, ‘the majority’ of the UK’s acute hospitals, and many overseas, having already invested in a Static Systems Group (SSG) nurse call system, the company has developed two attack alarm solutions that use the same technology platform.
Static Systems said: “The benefits include reduced installation, set-up, and running costs, plus ease of use for staff, because they will already be familiar with the system.” The new Ultima and Codemlon attack alarm systems both operate the same way, using high-frequency infrared communication between the staff fob and ceiling-mounted receivers. The only difference between them 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, while the Codemlon solution uses LonWorks technology, and is ‘IP-ready’.
SSG Marketing manager, Jennie Terry, explained: “While discussing our next generation attack alarm solution we thought it important to reduce costs where we could to help healthcare providers – the obvious way being to maximise the use of existing infrastructure and equipment. Hospitals can also 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 integration with third-party security and building management networks.
SSG says its 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 staff member to be located in real-time if they move and, if required, call for further assistance. The system displays multiple calls in order of receipt, with an attack signal overriding all assistance calls. ‘Sophisticated software’ provides site-specific programming of mobile devices, and desktop computers and indicators at staff bases.
Programming options include follow-the-light overdoor LEDs; automatic door operation; ‘silent mode’ to prevent aggravating critical situations; ‘zoning’ in areas so only local incidents are displayed; named user identification, and data recording and archiving for future analysis and reporting.
Although designed for ‘seamless integration’ with nurse call solutions, the attack alarm systems can operate independently.