The detectors most commonly used in hospitals and clinics are magnetic contacts (windows, doors), break-glass detectors, motion detectors (indoors and outdoors) and alarm buttons (wall-mounted or handheld with radio communication).

In the planning and implementation phases of an intrusion alarm system, Siemens specialists refer to a surveillance concept (what is surveyed where and how), a control concept (who can control what and how) and to an alarm concept (when and where is an alarm triggered). An extra security feature lies in the system’s operation friendliness, which eliminates many sources of error resulting from manipulations. Moreover, modern Siemens detectors are tamper- and sabotage-proof. No false alarms will therefore be triggered, and the system cannot be tampered with.

Since hospitals are open 24 hours a day, security areas should be equipped with alarm systems in order to prevent unauthorized intrusion. This is true especially for pharmacies, but also for the storage of hazardous materials, IT server rooms, cashier’s offices, data cabinets, vital control installations and certain wards. Alarm buttons increase the security level for staff members and patients for assault from within (e.g. patients in psychiatric wards) and without (e.g. intoxicated patients in the emergency room).

For the hospital:

• Reduction of risks – unambiguous detection of an intrusion into a room or into an object is an essential alarm system to protect vital equipment and property, leaving no room for negligence or error

• Personal security – in the emergency room and the psychiatric ward, staff are exposed to workplace violence like in no other profession: Having a button nearby to call for assistance is a necessity