A duress alarm is a small safety device that allows the wearer to call for help in an emergency by pressing duress buttons . These devices are designed to send a distress signal at the push of a button, alerting a monitoring centre or emergency contacts. Common in high-risk environments such as healthcare, security, and government facilities, duress alarms provide a critical line of defence in potentially dangerous situations.
Duress alarms are especially valuable for employees working in isolated environments, healthcare facilities, government buildings, and high-risk workplaces. Once triggered, they can provide the GPS location of the user, enabling emergency responders to dispatch help quickly. The system is discreet, effective, and essential for maintaining employee safety and workplace safety.
When a duress alarm is activated by pressing a duress alarm button, it sends an emergency signal through a secure channel, this may be a dedicated radio network, mobile phone network, or satellite connection. The signal is received by a 24/7 alarm monitoring centre or designated emergency contacts.
From there, authorities or first responders are notified immediately. In many modern systems, the devices also support two-way communication, allowing the person in distress to speak directly with the monitoring centre. Some devices include fall detection, man-down alerts, or silent alert capabilities, allowing users to discreetly signal for help without alerting an aggressor.
These alarms must be easily accessible and designed for quick activation in high-pressure situations to ensure a quick response. They can be integrated into access control systems or operate as stand-alone safety devices.
There are several types of duress alarm systems, each with features suited for specific environments and needs:
Panic buttons are compact, handheld devices that activate a loud or silent alarm when pressed. Often used in retail, government, or banking sectors, they can be mounted under desks or carried by staff.
Ideal for healthcare workers, lone workers, and delivery drivers, these devices can be worn around the neck or on a belt loop. They often include GPS tracking and man-down detection for added protection.
Used for domestic violence victims or at-risk individuals, these systems consist of a base unit and wearable button. When pressed, it connects to emergency services or support organisations.
These use satellite technology to track user location and alert authorities when the person leaves a safe zone. They’re commonly used by remote workers and high-risk field operatives.
These alarms are linked to existing access control or security systems in office buildings, hospitals, or critical infrastructure sectors. They provide comprehensive coverage with centralised monitoring and alerting.
Many systems include silent alerts, allowing a user to signal for help discreetly. This is particularly effective in healthcare settings, banks, or facilities where drawing attention could escalate danger due to aggressive behaviour .
Duress alarms are widely used in:
Installing duress alarms brings substantial advantages:
To ensure duress systems work effectively, follow these best practices:
While the terms are often used interchangeably, there are key differences:
| Feature | Duress Alarm | Panic Button |
|---|---|---|
| Alert Type | Often silent | Often audible |
| Use Case | Discreet help requests | Broad awareness alerts |
| Activation | Personal device or wearable | Mounted or carried |
| Response | Notifies monitoring centre or security | Alarms nearby people and alerts authorities |
| Ideal For | Banks, healthcare, lone workers | Schools, public areas, retail |
Some systems combine both features and integrate with access control, CCTV, and facility-wide alerts. Legal requirements may dictate which systems are needed depending on the risk profile.
Duress alarms are a vital part of any modern safety strategy. They empower individuals to enhance their personal safety and protect themselves discreetly and effectively, and they help employers meet duty-of-care requirements. Whether you’re managing healthcare workers, lone contractors, or a government office, these systems offer immediate help when it’s needed most.
At Castle Security, we specialise in designing, installing, and monitoring duress alarm systems that meet the needs of Perth businesses, facilities, and remote workers.
Protect your team. Strengthen your security. Contact Castle Security today for a customised duress alarm solution.
