Hidden Emergency MDC switches: Policy, Procedure...

[KuhnElectronics]

I am in the process of installing 3 panic buttons in every ambulance in a 3 county EMS district.

I was kinda curious about different policies, procedures, SOG's & SOP's, regarding activation of such emergency signal, both dispatch and field side. How often should theses switches be tested? Any ideas how to test them seperatly from dispatch, so we dont tie the system up with MDC bursts all day? Maybe a channel dedicated for tests that field units can monitor on their portables...

I'm open to any ideas. Just wanted to know what other people are doing.


Nick

[jim]

If set up properly, you can't have a "test channel" since the emergency call is to revert to dispatch channel.

Use a good switch, good materials and the proper installation procedures and you shouldn't have to test it. The "accidental" trips will be your test.

Mobile emergency switches aren;t really the greatest thing to do unless you REALLY really need them. You'll get more accidentals than you can imagine- especially with 3 switches in each truck. This are must be some major ghetto or something if they feel this is needed. Why not put 3 panic buttons in your bathroom and tie them into your home security system! Three is serious overkill. Why are mobile switches needed to begin with? Doesn't the crew have a portable? Also, does the dispatch center even support this? Just because they say so, doesn't mean it's even programmed to operate on their end.

I'd just set one button on the radio to do emergency and set it for a "long press." If you insist upon remote switches, I'd use a circuit to ensure that "tapping" the switch doesn't activate it. Set it up where the switch must be held for 2-3 seconds to activate, otherwise you'll have dispatch calling the truck everyday from accidental trips.

[KuhnElectronics]

Well not too often, but common, we have had domestic situations, or robbery, where reaching over and pressing a radio button or the red button on your portable is feasable.

They are hid on the squad in suitable locations so they will not be hit, and one can be activated from the outside of the truck if the back doors are open.

The switches are recessed mounted so that bumping them or hitting them will never activate them. You have to really get your finger in the switch to activate it.

Our dispatch is capable of recieving alerts.

[jim]

That's a good start since they are already set up.

It still seems that 3 switches are overkill. One in the front/rear passway or door area would suffice so you can hit it from the front or the rear of the truck.