Healthcare Staff Duress Button Comparison Sheet
Not all duress buttons are created equal. This cheat sheet empowers healthcare leaders to focus on what matters most for their organization and find a solution that provides reliable coverage, seamless usability, and proven performance.
INTEROPERABLE SAFETY PLATFORM
Yes
Others
No
Why This Matters:
While other suppliers offer pieces of a safety solution, CENTEGIX offers a robust Safety Platform® including duress buttons, incident and asset mapping, automated reporting, and visitor management.
Ask Potential Providers:
Do you have a full Safety Platform? How do the components work together, and how do they integrate with our existing solutions?
DISCREET AND WEARABLE
Yes
Others
Varies
Why This Matters:
Staff members need the ability to silently notify responders that they need support, so they can remain in the space and begin de-escalation.
Ask Potential Providers:
Does this wearable duress button allow users to silently summon help? Do users get a silent confirmation that their alert has been activated?
100% CAMPUS COVERAGE VIA LORAWAN
Yes
Others
No
Emergencies can happen anywhere. Using private LoRaWAN Bluetooth networks, CrisisAlert™ users can initiate alerts anywhere on campus, from patient rooms to stairwells and parking garages.
Ask Potential Providers:
Does this wearable duress button work in parking garages and stairwells? Does it cover common areas between buildings?
INCIDENT LOCATION ACCURACY
Yes
Others
Varies
It is critical for responders to know exactly where to go in an emergency—even if an altercation is moving. These details ensure the fastest response times and can save lives.
Ask Potential Providers:
Can your alert pinpoint the exact location and person requesting help? Does the platform follow the alerter if they are moving? Can responders see all safety assets near the incident?
WI-FI OR CELLULAR TO INITIATE ALERT
No
Others
Yes
Weak Wi-Fi or cell signals, common in healthcare settings, can result in messages not being sent or received—a critical communication breakdown.
Ask Potential Providers:
Does the wearable duress button require Wi-Fi or cellular service to send an alert?
HARDWIRING/DEDICATED POWER OUTLETS REQUIRED
No
Others
Varies
Why This Matters:
Other platforms may require additional wiring, outlets, or switches. Safety Platform’s installation is primarily wire-free—only gateways require cabling—ensuring quick installation and limited interference with access points.
Ask Potential Providers:
Does your solution require hardwiring, additional network access points, or dedicated power outlets?
REAL-TIME LOCATING SYSTEMS (RTLS)
No
Others
Mostly
To preserve privacy and remove adoption barriers, duress badge locations should not be continuously monitored. With CrisisAlert, locating abilities are only activated when a user presses the button on their badge.
Ask Potential Providers:
Does your wearable duress badge track a user’s location throughout the day?
Ask Your Leaders:
Would continuous tracking impact the adoption of this solution?
BATTERY CHARGING REQUIRED
No
Others
Varies
A device that must be recharged daily, weekly, or monthly is vulnerable to being powerless or charging and not accessible when needed.
Ask Potential Providers:
How long does the battery in your wearable duress button last? What happens if the battery needs to be replaced?
CUSTOMIZABLE VISUAL/AUDIO CUES AND INTEGRATIONS
Customizable
Others
No
Why This Matters:
Every facility is different, and a solution must be customizable to its unique needs and preferences. CENTEGIX can customize alerts to suit your needs, including desktop takeovers, intercom messages, 911 integration, and more.
Ask Potential Providers:
Is your platform customizable? Does it offer the option to include intercom messages, screen takeovers, and 911 integration? Can use and protocols be tailored by the facility?
EXPERIENCE
700K+ Badges In Use
15K+ Locations Covered
15M+ People Protected
Others
Limited
When it comes to protecting your people, you need a partner that has expertise in safety, has spent years refining its solution, and can offer guidance and best practices. CENTEGIX has become the leader in wearable safety technology due to our longevity, sole focus on safety, and customer-led innovation.
Ask Potential Providers:
Is safety your sole focus? How long has this wearable technology been in use with staff? How many badges are in use? How many people do you protect? How many facilities do you cover?
USAGE
700K+ alerts delivered
since inception
Others
Data not published
You want a solution that has proven adoption and impact. 98% of users say CrisisAlert helps them feel safe and supported. 100% say it’s easy to use. Our customer retention is 99%+.
Ask Potential Providers:
What is your retention rate? What percentage of users say your device helps them feel safer?
ONGOING SUPPORT
Yes
Others
No
Many providers end support after their solution is implemented. CENTEGIX customers are supported throughout the lifetime of our agreement, from platform monitoring and product support to facility trends and insight reports.
Ask Potential Providers:
What support do you provide after implementation? Do you monitor our platform and provide proactive support?
Want to download a copy of this comparison in PDF form?
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
CrisisAlert In Action
How to Meet and Exceed Joint Commission Workplace Violence Prevention Standards
Legislation Mandates Workplace Safety Plans
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