Panic Button

How the Panic Button Works in Vismo

 

Press & Alert - In a moment of potential stress or danger, or simply just to tell colleagues their location, an employee taps the panic button inside the Vismo Locate & Protect app. Options like haptics, a countdown delay, or sound can be customised to prevent false activation's.

Immediate Notification - Once pressed, the alert is routed to designated receivers — internal security, managers, or an Alarm Receiving Center (ARC) for professional monitoring.

Live Location & Context - The system sends real-time location and contextual data to responders via the Vismo Secure Portal or the Vismo Monitor App.
If the employee has crossed a geofence threshold, that information is flagged automatically.

Covert Audio & Escalation - Where available, the system can record audio covertly at the moment of activation to add situational context for responders. Responders can then escalate — sending security, local emergency services, or follow your internal protocols.

Resolution & Aftermath - Once the incident is resolved, the alert is closed, and a record of the event remains in the portal — for audit, training, or investigation.

 

Key Features and Benefits

 

 

Discreet, one-tap activation -  Minimises the need to verbally speak or escalate risk

Geo-Fence integration - Know when staff travel into higher risk zones

Customisable alerts -  Use vibration, countdown or sound to suit your workflow

Real-time tracking & context - Enables fast,informed response

Covert audio recording -  Provides clarity in chaotic situations

Integrates with Checkpoints - Pinpoint floor-level location within buildings for faster response 

Secure back-end / Portal - Centralised incident logging, analytics and access control

 

Use Cases & Scenarios

 

Retail & Frontline Staff - Retailers face increasing incidents of theft, aggression, and harassment. Vismo’s employee panic button system gives staff a discrete, immediate way to call for help.

Lone Workers & Field Teams - For employees working alone or in remote environments, the panic button from your phone replaces the need for dedicated hardware.

Security & Risk Environments - Agencies, events, or organisations operating in unstable zones can boost protection by combining geofence alerts, panic buttons, and real-time threat intelligence.

Healthcare, Social Services & Outreach - Mobile teams visiting clients or working offsite benefit from a “panic button app for employees” to enhance situational safety and reassure staff.

Compliance & Duty of Care - Having a reliable employee panic button system is often essential to meet regulatory or organisational safety obligations.

Implementation & Integration

 

Deploy via app: No need for extra hardware — the panic button is built into the Vismo Locate & Protect app.

Configure responders: Set up your escalation paths — internal team, external ARC, or mix.

Set geofence triggers: Define zones that automatically raise alerts or increase monitoring.

Integrate with Checkpoints: If you use QR-based Checkpoints, panic alerts can include precise in-building location.

Continuous monitoring & analytics: Use the secure portal to review incidents, track trends, and fine-tune your safety protocols.

Frequently Asked Questions 

 

Q: What is the difference between a “staff panic button” and a “panic button app for employees”?
A: The staff panic button typically refers to the functional capability (hardware or software) to trigger alerts. The panic button app for employees refers to the mobile application version of that function — enabling activation from a smartphone without needing dedicated devices.

Q: Does the panic button always reveal the user’s location?
A: Yes, when activated, the system sends the user’s real-time location to responders. However, Vismo also includes privacy modes for tracking that allow normal movement to remain private until an alert is triggered.

Q: Can I limit false activations?
A: Absolutely. You can configure delay countdowns, require long-press activation, to reduce accidental alerts.

Q: What happens if the employee is in a building, indoors, or a basement?
A: Vismo combines GPS, WiFi, cell tower triangulation, and other signals to estimate location. Also, when used together with Checkpoints, the system can infer more precise floor-level location via scanned QR codes.

Q: Can the panic button work offline or without cellular coverage?
A: The panic button’s effectiveness depends on connectivity, but when used alongside satellite devices or alternative communication channels, Vismo supports emergency messaging even in remote or low-signal areas.

Q: Who receives the alert when the panic button is pressed?
A: Alerts go to designated contacts, internal security teams, or an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC), depending on your configuration.

Q: Is it legal to use audio recording in a panic alert?
A: Audio recording rules depend on your region and internal policies. Vismo supports covert recording in places where permitted. Organisations should ensure compliance with local laws and notify employees in accordance with privacy regulations.