With the first day of school on the horizon, broadband service provider FirstNet is now offering a new Wearable Panic Button that provides schools with a comprehensive set of tools to help prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from safety threats.
The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) is a dedicated nationwide broadband network for public safety organizations. The network currently connects more than 26,000 public safety organizations.
In a press release, FirstNet said the new school safety solutions help school districts create safer learning environments by immediately transmitting critical data to 9-1-1 and first responders without any new equipment required at 9-1-1 call centers. Schools can use the FirstNet certified Intrado Safety Shield mobile app in conjunction with the Wearable Panic Button.
“The new school safety solution is a gamechanger for how districts can protect students and teachers, while also better equipping the first responders that serve them,” said Jim Bugel, president of FirstNet. “With just a push of a button, schools can reach 9-1-1 faster than ever. And as America’s public safety partner, we’ll continue to advance public safety’s critical communications to stay mission ready no matter the threat.”
FirstNet said the new solution is comprised of:
- The FirstNet Certified Intrado Safety Shield mobile app, which includes a silent panic alarm, secure two-way faculty chat, digitized emergency response plans, role-specific response checklists, integration with school information systems to account for all children in an emergency and quickly reunite students with their parent/guardian, and more.
- A Wearable Panic Button for staff that can send situational data to 9-1-1 while simultaneously and silently notifying campus-wide personnel via haptic vibration. FirstNet said the button extends beyond the school campus and can support emergencies during field trips, athletic events, and during daily transportation.
- The Intrado Safety Shield portal that provides stakeholders with a single operational view for all emergency response activities across the district.
“We believe students are more likely to succeed in school when they feel safe. Our educators need the peace of mind that if an emergency occurs, the lines of communication will stay open when they need it the most,” said David R. Schuler, executive director of AASA, The School Superintendents Association. “By having a reliable communications plan in place, schools can keep students safer, establishing a better learning environment for all.”
