The Top Lone Worker Devices for Healthcare Workers
When considering a lone worker device, choose one that is customizable and includes a 24/7 live monitoring center. Some lone worker devices offer features like GPS tracking, two-way communication, discreet duress activation, fall detection, and more.
Consider a solution that provides an automated check-in app on your employees’ smartphones as well as handheld satellite devices for those who require more precise location monitoring or may be working in remote areas without mobile connectivity. This is often more affordable than purchasing separate devices.
1. SHEQSY
Whether it’s nurses doing home visits or utility workers in dangerous or remote areas, SHEQSY protects your employees in real time so they never feel alone. The solution includes a mobile app, lone worker monitoring and tracking devices and a management dashboard for logging data.
Innovative safety features such as quick, discreet panic alarm activation, periodic check-ins, overtime alerts and navigation sharing make your teams feel safe and secure. It integrates with a wide variety of Bluetooth wearables and handheld satellite devices, has an optional 24/7 security monitoring center and is fully customizable for teams and escalation processes.
The app is also easy to use, allowing frontline staff to check-in, request help or raise a duress alarm in seconds via the touchscreen interface or voice activated feature. A digital audit trail records all activities and a configurable management dashboard gives team leaders visibility into employee safety. Developed by Australia-based SafetyCulture, the global operations platform that empowers teams to drive workplace improvement, SHEQSY is available on iOS and Android.
2. Garmin inReach
While all the devices we tested can send GPS coordinates in an emergency, Garmin inReach has a unique feature: a built-in SOS button. Pushing the button pings your location to a manned call center (a Garmin-sponsored service) that can communicate with you and alert local rescue resources.
You can also use the device to send custom and preset text messages1 to friends and family or emergency services, or to track your location and share it in real-time with others using the Garmin Explore app. For a fee that's less than your cell phone plan, you can get unlimited tracking and messaging with the least expensive subscription or, for more features, the Explorer+ model.
All inReach models work on the Iridium satellite network, a synchronized constellation of 66 low Earth orbit satellites that covers the globe, so you'll never be out of reach. They have a number of other useful functions as well, including 2-way satellite communication and a digital compass, barometric altimeter and accelerometer.
3. SafetyLine
The best lone worker devices should be small, discreet and easy to use. You also want to make sure your employees don’t feel like they’re carrying extra equipment that could hinder their work.
Look for a solution that uses minimal storage space and doesn’t drain the battery. Then, you’ll want to check whether the device is fully cellular-connected (not just a SIM) and offers features such as GPS location tracking, two-way messaging, man down alert and fall detection with 24/7 monitoring.
Finally, consider if the solution is customizable for your business and includes features such as periodic check-ins, overtime alerts, quick and discreet duress activation and gas detection with live monitoring. It’s also important to ensure the lone worker app works in low-signal areas. Some solutions also provide an infrastructure to connect all of the devices at once, which can save you thousands in upfront costs. SafetyLine offers all of these and more. It’s a comprehensive lone worker monitoring solution that integrates with discreet Bluetooth wearables and handheld satellite devices and has a 24/7 security monitoring center.
4. help alarms for seniors Panic Button
Lone worker panic alarms are devices that – when activated by a push button – call for help. They are available as mobile safety apps and computer software, or small wireless devices that can be attached to lanyards or keychains. Regardless of which device an employee uses, the signal from the alert sends to a monitoring center where they’re monitored by a team of trained emergency response operators.
Aggressive behavior towards healthcare workers is on the rise, and a lone worker panic alarm can provide an immediate way for them to contact their teams in a crisis. They’re especially useful for healthcare workers who travel between sites and carry out in-home care.
