Communication that saves lives

Alarming

Depending on the terminal devices used, alarms can be triggered via pre-defined keys or by direct touchscreen interaction on our digital assistants. If required, the devices can be fitted with separate push-buttons or Bluetooth buttons. This way, the alarm button can be concealed on the underside of a desk.

The terminal devices can provide various alarm modes to suit individual requirements, such as “Personal Distress Call” or “Alarm warning against a general threat”.

Verification / Situational Awareness

Triggering an alarm on an ASBIS device establishes an instant connection to a round-the-clock control room. Here staff can localize the incident and monitor the situation acoustically. If required, the user can be addressed directly via the terminal device’s loudspeaker.

The control room is usually located on the company’s premises but may also be located in an external emergency and service control centre.

To appraise the situation, staff at the control room can ‘listen in’ to assess the threat and initiate appropriate measures. ASBIS terminals can also be used for direct communication with the person seeking help. Where available, on-site video cameras can be integrated for enhanced situational awareness. In these situations, it is of particular advantage that the Commend Intercom connections are bi-directional.

Acoustic verification by control centre staff also helps to prevent costly false alarms. But what about data protection? Acoustic and visual monitoring (‘listening in’ and watching) on the ASBIS devices is only enabled in case of an alarm. Unless an alarm is triggered, it is not possible to establish a monitoring connection from the Control Room.

In addition to help and distress calls, the Control Desk receives relevant situational details on a PC or tablet device. This includes the exact location and, if required, other relevant information about the location or the caller.

Response / Information

From threat alerts to clear instructions or other information, the Control Desk allows intervention and rescue services to provide carefully guided, reliable assistance, e.g., in initiating a lockdown, sending messages to the displays of digital assistants, switching signage lights, making announcements over the loudspeakers, and controlling the whole integrated system (PA, Intercom, video, access control, etc.).

First responders or assisting authorities are contacted either via stationary ASBIS devices or by smartphone or tablet PC. This way, they can be provided with situational details and instructions without delay. If required, operational command can summon staff to a crisis conference over the ASBIS devices. To join, all they have to do is accept the call at any terminal device, without the need to operate any controls or enter a PIN code.

Deescalation / Managing Crisis

In addition to help and distress calls, the Control Desk receives relevant situational details on a PC or tablet device. In an emergency, this information includes the exact location of the person(s) seeking help.

Besides ensuring situational awareness, the Control Desk also offers numerous other options: ‘listening in’ on ongoing situations via ASBIS devices, activating CCTV cameras, opening or closing doors and gates, assessing developing threat conditions, keeping affected parties informed, communicating with intervention forces, and coordinating crisis teams. Additionally, staff can maintain direct communication with the ASBIS terminal where the alarm was initiated.

Aftercare / Prevention

The Commend system can create a seamless log documenting each event. If required, it can also record all calls, including the corresponding video streams. This enables a detailed analysis and an impartial review of how the incident developed. Based on this information, existing emergency operation plans can be developed further to include preventive measures for the future.

In the event of a worst-case scenario where people get injured, the official investigators will verify if everything humanly possible has been done to avert danger and to minimize damage. With the Commend solution, operators can document that they have taken the correct measures and that an adequate risk management is in place. .