use of panic buttons

[jdegagne]

Hello,

My unit uses a panic button system for calling security when emergency. The problem is that staff are not comfortable with wearing a necklace while they are working. Are there any handy alarm devices that can be worn on the unit? I'll be looking forward to your ideas.

Thanks,

Jennie

[lil'nurse]

We have little handheld "spiders" which we can clip on our badges or on our keys. Occasional one goes off accidentally. Not sure where they got them from, what company. Each spider has a specific number and when pushed, a display screen shows which staff's spider has been activated and where they are on the unit.

[Nurse Ratched, RN]

Are they fearful of being choked with the necklace? There are quick release lanyards available if that's the case.

ETA: they are called "break away lanyards."

[ZASHAGALKA, RN]

the infrared tracking system that comes w/ your panic button is evil and anti-nursing.

If your employer cared about safety, they could have accomplished the same thing w/ a voicera or other hands off communication device that doesn't track your location.

The whole point of that system is to make YOU feel like it's for your safety while your employer gathers information on how you do your job so that you can be told you aren't doing it well enough by somebody who has no idea how you do your job.

I wouldn't wear one. In fact, my most recent employer just installed them -- hence the most recent part.

~faith.

[jdegagne]

Great info! Thanks for sharing. I'll check that out.

Jennie

We have little handheld "spiders" which we can clip on our badges or on our keys. Occasional one goes off accidentally. Not sure where they got them from what company. Each spider has a specific number and when pushed, a display screen shows which staff's spider has been activated and where they are on the unit.[/quote']

[finn_fab]

we use panic buttons on our unit, that screech, and gives security the location of the pressed panic button, we have them on a clip that goes on our clothing, or badge, or wherever ...I must say, they are good for the purpose of using them to call security, but also to let potentially aggressive patients know that we can call security as we feel necessary...never thought I would use that line, but I have..."security is one call away... "take your pill", "cool down"...whatever... they are handy, and absolutely necessary on our unit, where we have a lot going on at any given time...

[jdegagne]

Do you know where I can purchase those products?

Company and model name?

Thank you in advance.

Jennie

we use panic buttons on our unit, that screech, and gives security the location of the pressed panic button, we have them on a clip that goes on our clothing, or badge, or wherever ...I must say, they are good for the purpose of using them to call security, but also to let potentially aggressive patients know that we can call security as we feel necessary...never thought I would use that line, but I have..."security is one call away... "take your pill", "cool down"...whatever... they are handy, and absolutely necessary on our unit, where we have a lot going on at any given time...

[Frankcah]

Check out this link...

http://www.pinpoint.ltd.uk/pinpoint5000.html

This is the system we use. It is very good (but costly). Based in UK tho.

[jdegagne]

Thank you so much. I really appreciate it.:)

Jennie

Check out this link...

http://www.pinpoint.ltd.uk/pinpoint5000.html

This is the system we use. It is very good (but costly). Based in UK tho.

[kadokin, ASN, RN]

the infrared tracking system that comes w/ your panic button is evil and anti-nursing.

If your employer cared about safety, they could have accomplished the same thing w/ a voicera or other hands off communication device that doesn't track your location.

The whole point of that system is to make YOU feel like it's for your safety while your employer gathers information on how you do your job so that you can be told you aren't doing it well enough by somebody who has no idea how you do your job.

I wouldn't wear one. In fact, my most recent employer just installed them -- hence the most recent part.

~faith.

Sorry to disagree w/you Zash, but working on a psych unit, I would love to have a system that could track as well as transmit. As it stands now, the emergency call system we have on our psych unit requires everyone to drop what they are doing and GO FIND where the panic signal is coming from!! This is 2 units w/13 pt rooms, 2 nurse's stations, 2 dining rooms, 4 offices, a rec room, 4 shower rooms, a tv room, 3 visiting rooms, 3 housekeeping closets and a spacious rec therapy room. If I am pushing the panic button, I need help NOW, not as soon as you can find me! Oddly enough, every other inpatient unit besides surgery and ICU have the tracking devices at my community hospital. I have been told that the powers that be are not willing to spare the expense for this system on inpatient psych. I can believe that. Although a necessary community service, inpatient psych. is a money-losing venture. I can see your point about the big-brother aspect of this system. However, I can also see how it could be a time-saver. I am sure there are more than a few instances on non-psych units where a person would need help immediately, not after someone has taken the time to go hunt up whoever is free and not just "hiding".