Directly Communicate
We always ask that, if able to, the first option should be to talk directly through their device or app.
Describe
We recommend that people always describe the situation around them, whether this is openly or discreetly.
Duress
If the user is unable to describe the situation in fear of increasing the danger to them, duress words should be used.
When the 2nd vibration is felt, the alarm has been raised and an Alarm Controller is listening in silently to try and understand what is happening. As part of user training, we ask that users always try to directly communicate then describe or finally use a duress word.
Alarm Controllers need to have identified a threat to human life on an incoming alarm to dispatch police immediately. If the user can speak openly or drop descriptive words into conversation, this will allow for the fastest response possible.
As an example, saying ‘can you put the knife down’ is a much clearer way of saying they are in danger than ‘Let me check the red folder’ which uses a duress word but doesn't give evidence of a threat to life.
If a duress word cannot be remembered and then naturally used in a possibly life threatening situation, there isn't much point in having them.
We see clients using duress words mainly when their risks are centred around people. If the main risks to a user are slips, trips and falls or injury from machinery, they are more likely to be in a position to talk directly to the Alarm Controller if an incident occurs.
Duress words are most common when working with people who could be volatile or are known aggressors. These code words can help the user to indicate danger whilst continuing to de-escalate the situation.
In our free webinars, we talk about the different ways to prevent alarms, but if your team are at high risk of violence, we recommend investing in personal safety training.
Make sure that any words you use are easy to remember and drop into conversation.
Try to keep duress words the same across your organisation to help ensure consistency and increase the likelihood they can be remembered and used when your team are in danger.
