The Importance of Duress Alarms in Healthcare Facilities

In healthcare facilities, the safety and security of patients, staff, and visitors are of utmost importance. One crucial component of ensuring this security is the use of duress alarms. Duress alarms are devices that can be activated in emergency situations to alert others that assistance is needed immediately. These alarms play a critical role in preventing and responding to potentially dangerous situations and ensuring the well-being of everyone in the healthcare setting.

One of the main reasons why duress alarms are crucial in healthcare facilities is the vulnerability of patients. Hospitals and other healthcare institutions often cater to individuals who are ill, injured, or in a compromised state of health. In these situations, patients may not have the physical or mental capacity to call for help in an emergency situation. Duress alarms provide a lifeline for these patients, allowing them to call for assistance with a simple press of a button. This prompt response can be the difference between life and death in critical situations.

Another reason why duress alarms are vital in healthcare settings is the protection of healthcare workers. Healthcare professionals are exposed to a myriad of risks during their work, including physical violence, harassment, and aggression from patients or their families. This violence and aggression can have severe consequences for the well-being of healthcare workers and the delivery of quality care. Duress alarms empower healthcare workers to call for help immediately when they feel threatened or unsafe, enabling security personnel to respond swiftly and effectively.

Furthermore, duress alarms not only benefit patients and healthcare workers but also enhance overall facility security. In emergency situations such as incidents of theft, trespassing, or even potential terrorist attacks, duress alarms can be activated by any staff member or individual who witnesses suspicious activity. This quick alert system allows security personnel to respond promptly and mitigate the situation before it escalates, ensuring the safety of everyone within the facility.

Implementing duress alarm systems in healthcare facilities requires careful planning and consideration. It is essential to choose a reliable alarm system that is easy to use and integrates seamlessly with the facility’s existing security infrastructure. Training programs should also be provided to educate staff on how to utilise the duress alarms effectively and efficiently. Regular testing and maintenance of the alarm systems are crucial to ensure their proper functioning in times of emergency.

In conclusion, duress alarms play a vital role in healthcare facilities by providing a means for patients and healthcare workers to call for help in emergency situations. These alarms not only protect vulnerable patients and healthcare workers but also enhance overall facility security. Implementing and maintaining duress alarm systems should be a priority for any healthcare facility, as they are an essential tool in ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone within the facility.

Electrotek is Australia’s leading supplier of the Induna nursing communications Systems. Check out our range of Induna Nurse Call Systems here.

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Cleo Anderson

Office Administrator

Cleo is an experienced administrator with a strong history working in large corporate settings and was the National Operations Support Lead for a big not-for-profit organisation. Other strings to her bow include marketing, as well as a demonstrated ability to manage and coordinate a multitude of tasks.

Cleo’s qualifications include a Bachelor of Accounting/Business Administration and a Diploma of Community Services Management.

She’s not only the smiling face around the office, but also oversees all the administrative functions and provides operation support and manages compliance.

Joseph Dass

Electronic Technician

Joseph holds years of experience maintaining and installing Radio Broadcast equipment, Drive-Through equipment, Public Address systems, as well as Nurse Call systems with private health and large medical practices. His experience working with electronic equipment extends to cable installation, maintaining radio repeaters, paging and dect phone systems. He enjoys all facets of his role, including the on-site, installations and customer interactions, as much as he enjoys the pre-install workshop preparation required in making nurse call equipment specific to individual customer needs and bespoke modifications.

Qualifications:

  • Diploma in Telecommunications Engineering.
  • Broadcast Technician Certificate
  • Diploma in Christian Ministry.

Jan Dela Cerna

Operations Manager

Jan holds the challenging position of Operations Manager at Electrotek and has been integral to the success of the company since 2015  and is involved with different aspects of operations, including servicing, installation, manufacturing, technical support, warehouse management, project management, and leading a team of technicians across Australia. 

Jan holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering and a Diploma in Project Management.

Neil Davey

Chief Engineer

Neil has worked in a variety of sectors in an engineering and development capacity, his roles include Research and Development with CRC for Microtechnology on Athlete Monitoring with the Australian Institute of Sport. Neil’s name is prominent on multiple patents.

Neil’s functions include the technical direction of the company, guidance and oversite of hardware and software systems.

Previously Neil has held product development roles, from prototype stage to small scale production. The development of engine control system for LPG and LNG fuel delivery to heavy vehicles, as well as the development of onboard data collection and monitoring systems for heavy vehicles (surface and underground).

Neil has underpinned not only the technical requirements of Electrotek, but the team as well, training and providing guidance to the team of technicians.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Engineering in Microelectronic Engineering (Hons)
  • Master of Philosophy

Belinda Kuppens

General Manager

Belinda has over 30 years’ experience in executive support and office management positions through small companies and corporate, including FMCG’s, leading accounting firm and Telstra (in Australia).  She was integral to creating and growing Electrotek where she now holds the role of General Manager.

Belinda’s passion for success in business and in caring for customers drives her to lead from the ground up extracting the best from her team and for her customers.

Belinda holds various supporting qualifications including Certificate IV in Small Business Management.

Theo Kuppens

Managing Director

Theo Kuppens is the Managing Director of Electrotek, an established provider of emergency communication, electronic security, and telephony solutions within the health and aged care industries.

With over 30 years industry experience, he has a broad background and experience in technology covering Information Technology (IT), electronics, telecommunications, audio-visual engineering, and electronic security.

With this industry knowledge and experience, he is well placed to look at technology issues facing clients within the health and aged care sectors from a solutions-based perspective rather than the traditional product “one shoe fits all” methodology.

He is still “hands-on” and, together with the engineering and technical team, continues to look at evolving technologies that will improve operational efficiencies, staff safety, and reduce “cost of ownership” of installed systems by empowering onsite maintenance personnel.

Qualifications:

  • Diploma of Electronic Engineering.
  • Diploma of Project Management
  • Certificate IV in Marketing
  • Telecommunications Electrician/Mechanic

Marc Prospero

CEO

Marc has held numerous C-suite positions at small to medium enterprises, large public companies and the Not For Profit sector. He has worked across multiple industries including health, security, law enforcement, education, retail, real estate and government. Marc holds master level qualifications in business administration and public policy, and he lectures part-time at the Australian Catholic University (Executive Education – Business, Leadership and Risk).