Reference story: Panic alarm for teachers

Safety is always a priority in educational institutions. The focus is often on the safety of pupils and/or students. However, both support staff and teachers increasingly find themselves in situations where aggression and violence threaten their sense of safety. This includes aggression in schools between or by pupils, but also by parents. One incident during a parent’s evening made it painfully clear that the school team was insufficiently prepared to act quickly and effectively.

What to do in case of school violence?

The school’s management initially opted for training sessions to teach staff how to deal with aggression and other unwanted behaviour (school violence). During the training, the staff realised they also needed a solution to provide immediate support in emergencies. It had to be fast, reliable and easy to use.

A safe work environment at a secondary school

The school chose MultiBel specifically for its alarm button function. A solution often used by people working alone. The team opted for the Mobile Personal Alarm, a panic alarm button that staff carry. In addition, a fixed button was installed in strategic locations such as the reception.

The solution: MultiBel’s panic alarm button

The implementation of MultiBel, with its personal panic alarm button, immediately brought a significant improvement in the management of emergency situations involving aggression or violence. Employees can activate an alarm discreetly and quickly via the physical button or the dedicated app. Once activated, the right people are immediately notified. At this school, this is called the ‘Intervention Team’.

How does the alarm button work?

• Activation: An employee activates the alarm by pressing a button. As mentioned above, this can be either a personal panic button or a fixed alarm button at reception or another type of counter.
• Emergency personnel present: The alarm is sent directly to the emergency personnel present. This also means that emergency staff not on site will not be alerted.
• Location determination: The locations of the fixed buttons are predefined in the MultiBel system. However, the location of the employee pressing the mobile button can also be determined by MultiBel. As a result, those alerted will know the location of the incident.
• Instant communication: When the mobile button is used, either a listening or a speaking/listening connection is immediately available. This makes it possible to quickly assess the severity of the situation.
• Real-time overview: The dashboard provides a clear overview of who is responding and what action is being taken.

The results: greater confidence and sense of security

An important result is that employees feel more confident since the introduction of the alarm button. For example, they know that by pressing the alarm button they can call for help immediately. Fortunately, it has not yet been necessary to use the system at the school. However, the system is tested regularly.

Some students also feel supported by the alarm buttons. If they get into a fight with other students, they know that help will come quickly.

Specific benefits:

• Faster responses: In the event of an incident, alerts are received within seconds and the team responds immediately, preventing escalation.
• Reduced stress: Employees experience less anxiety and stress knowing that help is close at hand.
• Better coordination: Listening in ensures an organised approach, even in chaotic situations.
• Positive feedback: Parents also appreciate the school’s focus on safety and its proactive approach to aggression and school violence.

Bottom line: MultiBel helps schools thrive

Thanks to the MultiBel alarm button, this school is now better prepared for emergencies. It shows how technology can play a key role in creating a safe learning and working environment. Schools can learn from this example and benefit from the advantages offered by MultiBel.