The Importance of an Alarm System in Healthcare: Ensuring Patient and Staff Safety

Healthcare settings such as hospitals and care homes are busy environments that need careful monitoring in order to ensure patient and staff safety. While a Hikvision camera offers 24-hour surveillance and provides clear video footage throughout the day, a reliable alarm system can also add an extra level of security. There are many ways to ultilise alarms to your advantage. While some deter break-ins and prevent criminal activity, others improve patient safety and can draw attention to issues such as patient falls or abnormal audio such as screaming or shouting.

With this in mind, let’s take a closer look at the importance of alarms in the healthcare system.

Alarms Can Deter Criminals and Prevent Break-Ins

Healthcare facilities are designed to aid recovery and should offer a peaceful, tranquil and calm environment. However, we all know that they can be loud, busy and often not regulated to the necessary standards due to staff shortages. With high volumes of people constantly coming and going, the potential for unlawful behaviour – including break-ins – is significant. Thankfully, Hikvision burglar alarm systems can act as a deterrent, making it obvious that the site is being watched throughout the day and night.

Burglar alarms can protect valuable pharmaceuticals, medical equipment and other expensive items that might be a target for professional criminals. They can be installed on-site in pharmacies as well as in pharmaceutical delivery areas that might also be targeted.

Emergency Alarms Give Staff Peace of Mind

Emergency alarm systems are a good idea for health care settings. If a staff member feels threatened by a patient, visitor or intruder, they can activate an SOS alarm. Live video and recordings can then be monitored and the emergency services can be dispatched if necessary. While the emergency button should be used as a last resort, it’s good to have one nearby.

Access Control Prevents Intruders

Hikvision access control can be integrated with various other devices such as face recognition technology, card readers, locks or push buttons to ensure only those permitted can access certain parts of a healthcare facility. Access control systems can be linked with CCTV cameras for crystal-clear video footage. They can also be linked with an alarm system which is useful for catching trespassers. Access control is also good for attendance reporting and will help you to know exactly who is on-site at any given time.

Alarms for Improved Patient Care

As well as preventing break-ins and monitoring site access, alarms can also be used to improve patient care. From fall detectors which trigger an alarm when someone does not get up within a specified period of time to alarms that sound when a person gets out of bed in the night, there are many alarm systems that act as another pair of eyes. Alarms can also sound when a patient leaves their room and does not return. This can be useful for those working with dementia patients who often get confused as to where they’re supposed to be.

Protect your healthcare facility with the right alarm system – contact MYDIS today to find out more.

How an Alarm System Can Improve Emergency Response and Care for Patients

Caring for sick, vulnerable and weak patients is a huge responsibility and one that should be taken seriously. Healthcare professionals are often run off their feet trying to look after patients with a multitude of different conditions and ailments, but there are ways to streamline care and improve emergency response times. Having the right alarm systems in place, for instance, makes it easier to stay in-the-know at all times.

 

What are The Different Types of Emergency Alarms?

When you think of security for healthcare settings, a Hikvision CCTV system might come to mind or a Hikvision intruder alarm system. But did you know that there are alarms that specifically monitor patient activity, so that you can respond to certain situations quicker? Here’s a rundown of some of the most advanced healthcare alarm systems:

 

Wireless Emergency Button

A wireless emergency button can be placed in a patient’s room or on their arm and activated in an emergency situation. A call acts as an alarm for healthcare providers who need to take immediate action to ensure the safety of a patient. A Hikvision CCTV camera can also be used to monitor communal areas to ensure everyone is safe and well.

 

Fall Detector

When people fall down and can’t get up within a set period of time, an alarm will sound to alert people of the problem. This is great for residential homes for the elderly, care homes and hospices who deal with falls regularly.

 

Out of Bed Alarms

Alarms can also be activated if a patient leaves their bed in the middle of the night. Patients with certain conditions such as insomnia or dementia are more likely to wander around after dark and become disoriented and confused.

 

Out of Room Alarm

It can be dangerous for some patients to leave their room unsupervised. Healthcare staff must know where those they care for are at all times, which is why out of room alarms are ideal.

 

Audio Alarms

Care staff can be notified when abnormal audio such as screaming or shouting is detected. This could indicate that a patient has become unsettled or upset in some way and needs reassurance. Again, this can happen to dementia patients or those with Alzheimers as well as people with mental health disorders.

 

Break-In Alarms

Break-ins can jeopardise the safety of both staff and patients. Alarms are therefore used to deter criminal activity. There are also alarms that can detect unauthorised stays, such as visitors wanting to stay overnight. While this might not seem like a big deal, facility numbers must be monitored carefully for safeguarding reasons.

 

Alarms can greatly improve emergency response times and overall patient care, so it’s well worth investing in the right systems for your facility.

5 Top Tips on Maintaining Your CCTV System for Optimal Performance

CCTV installation is a good idea for many reasons. Firstly, CCTV shows that your property is being monitored and this alone can deter both repeat offenders and opportunistic criminals. Secondly, CCTV allows you to keep an eye on your premises even when you’re off-site, with real-time footage being sent to your smart device. This is great for peace of mind. But how can you keep your system in tip-top condition for optimal performance? Here are five handy tips.

 

Clean the Lens

While your CCTV camera may be systematically perfect, a dirty or smudged lens can seriously impact the quality of the video footage produced. So, for the very best video quality, clean the lens regularly, looking out for debris, dust, water spots and general dirt. Special CCTV camera cleaning solutions are available, so it’s worth buying the right products.

 

Inspect Cables and Connections

Loose cables can cause video quality issues, so make sure you check connectors and cable entry points regularly as these are the two main areas where loose wiring problems can occur. Always inspect wire connections after high winds or stormy conditions as adverse weather can knock CCTV cables out of place, compromising video footage.

 

Check the Wiring for Wear and Tear

As well as ensuring the cables are properly connected, you should also check the wiring for signs of wear and tear. If the wires are fraying or in bad condition, they might need replacing. As the wiring is laid outdoors and exposed to the elements, it must also be properly insulated.

 

Check the Power Supply

Another important part of CCTV maintenance is to inspect the power supplies for your home or business security cameras. Check the batteries if your system uses them, and make sure that the power source you’re using is reliable. Don’t be afraid to seek help from a qualified electrician if you notice a fault.

 

Keep Your Software Up-To-Date

New and improved security software is often released by manufacturers to enhance existing products. So, make sure your security camera software is up-to-date. Investing in the latest technology will give you access to new features and will ensure your system is always running at its best.

Search for ‘CCTV camera installation near me’ and protect your property in the best way possible. CCTV systems are incredibly advanced these days and offer high-quality visuals even in dim light or after dark.

5 Top features to look for in a CCTV System for your home

Recent burglary statistics show that the UK has a very serious problem when it comes to domestic burglary. A UK home is broken into every 106 seconds, with £181 million stolen from London homes every year. With the crime rate so high, it’s no wonder that the need for CCTV is increasing. But what five features should you look for in a CCTV camera for your home?

 

1. Line Crossing Technology

When it comes to CCTV installation, it’s important to buy the best system for your budget. If possible, invest in cameras with in-built line crossing technology. This will alert you immediately whenever activity is detected. You can decide when you want the alert to activate by setting up specific areas that’ll be monitored at all times. Top-notch CCTV cameras can even tell the difference between an animal and a human. This means you won’t be alerted by your neighbour’s cat every time it goes for its evening stroll.

 

2. ColourVu Technology

ColourVu technology captures high-quality, full-colour video 24/7, helping to protect your premises at all times of the day and night. It comes into its own when the lighting is low, using advanced lenses and high-performance sensors to provide better quality images. ColourVu technology also comes with supplementary light for extremely dark scenarios so that you can get crystal clear, colourful details when you need them the most. As images can be used as evidence following a break-in, the clearer they are, the better.

 

3. Remote Viewing

CCTV cameras have come on in leaps and bounds in recent years and now boast an array of features for domestic use. Remote viewing, for instance, means you can check up on your property from any smartphone device for free. Many CCTV systems also allow you to speak through the app to alert trespassers, thereby adding another level of security. Not many criminals will want to stick around knowing that their every move is being captured and monitored. When communicating with intruders, you can also mention things like ColourVu technology and how they can be clearly identified even at night.

 

4. Security System Type

Both IP and Analogue CCTV cameras are available. Analogue cameras tend to be cheaper than IP systems, but if you need crisp, clear images then IP cameras are the better option. The IP resolution can be up to twenty times better than other cameras on the market and, once installed, you can zoom in and focus any finer details. IP stands for Internet Protocol, with cameras being connected to the recorder via a single Ethernet cable.

 

5. Deterrent Features

Thanks to technological advances, many cameras now come equipped with features that can deter an intruder before they break in. Features include a visual alarm, an audible alarm, two-way audio as mentioned above and push notifications to your phone so that you can activate another smart home feature such as smart lighting to make it look like you’re at home.

 

Find the right CCTV solution for your property and enjoy ultimate peace of mind.

What Type of CCTV System is Best for Industrial Use?

Industrial crime in the UK is remarkably high. That’s why it’s important to protect your site in any way possible. Finding the right industrial CCTV solution for your business is essential, but which systems are best and what are the benefits of high-level security?

 

Benefits of Industrial Security Systems

There are multiple benefits to investing in a CCTV system for your industrial site. If you’re still on the fence about whether to get a system installed, it’s time to get more decisive. The best industrial security camera available can:

 

  • Protect your site and expensive assets from crime, potentially saving you hundreds if not thousands of pounds.
  • Act as a deterrent, stopping potential thieves from targeting your property.
  • Provide video evidence to the police should a robbery take place.
  • Ensure staff remain safe in the workplace.
  • Monitor the movement of visitors while they are on your site.
  • Reduce vehicle-related crime such as vandalism in car parks.

 

At the most basic level, a CCTV system can provide business owners with added peace of mind whether they are on or off the premises. Running a company is stressful enough without having added security concerns, and a reliable system will support other measures to ensure comprehensive cover at all times.

 

What Type of CCTV Should I Invest In?

Many CCTV cameras have been specifically designed for industrial use. These include:

 

IP CCTV Cameras

IP CCTV Cameras convert video signal into IP packets which can be transmitted over the internet to a network storage device such as a server. They also tend to have much higher resolution than regular CCTV, making them a popular choice for industrial security.

 

Thermal Cameras

Thermal cameras turn heat energy from objects into an image. This image is based on the silhouette of a heat source making it easy to differentiate between vehicles and humans. Areas of heat can be seen through darkness, smoke and other heat-permeable barriers.

 

Ultra-HD CCTV

Ultra-HD CCTV provides high-resolution images which can be effectively used to prosecute criminals. 4k security CCTV, for example, offers more pixels for a higher quality image. Many HD CCTV systems can be linked to a mobile device for real-time alerts.

 

Perimeter CCTV

Catch criminals before they even enter your industrial site with perimeter CCTV. This can be used to monitor activity around a site’s perimeter and all footage can be viewed internally by an onsite security team, or offsite via the use of CCTV monitoring.

 

Find the right CCTV solution for your site today and prevent both planned and opportunistic criminal activities. Whether you want a standard or bespoke solution, the team at MYDIS can help. Get in touch with us today to discuss your options.

What are the Four Categories of Alarm Systems

If you’re looking to tighten the security of your premises, you might already be checking out the best business alarm systems on the market. There are many different products to choose from including thermal and perimeter cameras as well as CCTV monitoring services, but when it comes to alarm systems, there are four categories to be aware of. Here at MYDIS, we provide a range of options, enabling you to select the one that best fits your needs. Here are the key systems you can choose from:

 

Intruder Alarm Systems

Business security systems include intruder alarms. These are designed to detect intruders in real-time and will send alerts to mobile devices for faster responses. Intruder alarms are specially designed to pick up genuine threats and can be programmed to look out for specific intruder types such as people, vehicles or both. Line-crossing technology is used to send alerts whenever someone suspicious crosses a specific perimeter, and reduces the chance of a false alarm being raised.

 

External Alarm Systems

An intruder alarm can be used to monitor a site’s perimeter and is a type of external alarm when used in this capacity. External alarms can detect a threat before someone even enters the core of your business site and are usually monitored internally. AI technologies are used to actively detect specific threats and trigger the correct alerts. External alarms are particularly useful for large sites including farms and industrial plants that can be tricky to monitor at all times.

 

Internal Alarm Systems

Small business alarm systems can include an internal alarm. This is designed to detect intrusion such as unauthorised entry into a business building or part of a premises. Alarms can be triggered by motion and are often activated when a door opens and the alarm is set. Internal alarm systems can be used alongside external alarm systems to ensure your business site remains as secure as possible.

 

Access Control

Unlike traditional locks and keys, access control systems can be integrated with CCTV, fire alarms and internal alarm systems for an impressive security solution. If you have a single point of entry, for example, alarms can be set to activate if people try to get onto your business site in a different way. Those using the entry point can be issued with fobs or can pass through a key/card reader. Biometric technology such as fingerprint or facial recognition access can also be used for a higher level of security.

Finding the right alarm system for your business is a must, so carry out a risk assessment of your premises and decide which security measures you need. Alternatively, get in touch with the team at MYDIS to discuss your premises and benefit from a full consultation.

7 Security Measures to Protect Food Processing Sites

Keeping your food processing site safe is of paramount importance as business thefts can seriously harm your productivity and bottom line. Thankfully, there are many things you can do to tighten the security of your premises. So here are seven measures to keep in mind.

1. CCTV Camera

Getting the best CCTV camera for your budget is a must. This will help you to gain full awareness of your site’s activity and keep an eye on high-movement, high-traffic areas. Even if the cameras aren’t manned 24/7, high-quality recordings can be helpful in the event of a security breach or investigation. CCTV security cameras these days can also be linked to mobile devices for real-time alerts.

2. Intruder Alarm System

Intruder alarm installation is an essential part of business safety. Alarms of this kind can be used to detect people and vehicles that should not be on-site at any given time. Alarms are perfect for keeping your premises secure overnight or when the food processing plant is closed.

3. Access Control

Know who is on your premises at any given time with an access control system. From standard key/card readers to facial recognition devices, you can accurately detect the whereabouts and attendance of your workforce. With a range of entry and exit capabilities, access control systems keep site entry tight.

4. Monitor Outside Vendors

Don’t let any visitors, outside vendors or non-employees enter your building/s. Allocate a specific area to handle paperwork and make sure this is monitored by doorbell cameras and CCTV. 

5. Create a Single Point of Entry

Having a single point of entry into your facility will make access control so much easier as everyone who enters can be observed. CCTV can be installed at the entry point but also around quieter parts of your facility to pick-up suspicious activity.

6. Hire a Security Guard

A security guard can be used to check bags or inspect vehicles entering your site. They can also monitor CCTV and act on anything unusual. The presence of a security guard alone can act as a deterrent for thieves.

7. Have an Open Floor Plan

With an open floor plan, intruders have fewer places to hide. It’ll also increase the visibility of all employees and make it easier to monitor the inner workings of your site. If you’ve multiple rooms, make sure the doors are shut between each section of your processing site and place a camera in each room. This might seem a bit extreme but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Protecting your food processing site could save you a lot of hassle, time and money down the line, so take steps to make your site secure. The team at MYDIS can help you find the right solution, so contact us today for assistance.

Top 10 tips to keep your business safe from intruders

Keeping your business safe from intruders should be a top priority. Replacing stolen stock and repairing the damage from a break-in can grind your company to a financial halt, so it’s important to take as many precautions as possible to prevent intruders from striking. An investment in security now could save you money and stress down the line, so here are 10 tips to keep your business safe.

  1. Install business alarm systems 

Business alarm systems are more sophisticated than ever these days and are designed to offer peace of mind. Advanced systems can detect intrusions in real-time and will send alerts directly to your phone for a faster response. Technology differentiates between people and vehicles meaning only genuine threats are detected.

  1. Install business camera system

Often, commercial CCTV systems act as a deterrent, scaring away criminals before they decide to act. High-quality camera systems also record crystal clear images across a range of lighting conditions meaning if an intrusion does occur, the footage may be good enough to use as evidence if the case goes to court.

  1. Adequate locks on doors and windows

It sounds simple, but make sure you have adequate locks on all doors and windows. You could even think about double or triple locking key entry points for extra security. Furthermore, it’s advisable to assign lock-up duties to one or two people to ensure the process is completed thoroughly every day.

  1. Control property access

Be sure to control access to your business premises with fobs or swipe cards so you can restrict movement and have a record of who is onsite at any given time. If possible, never let random people just walk into your property without someone giving them permission.

 

  1. Triple glaze your windows 

Another easy way to protect against intruders is to triple glaze your windows. Double or triple glazed windows are really hard to smash because of the toughened glass making it more difficult for people to get in.

 

  1. Install external lighting 

Many lighting systems work using a sensor and will activate if someone comes near to your business. As with a CCTV camera, this can act as a deterrent, scaring criminals away. A well-lit business premises is undoubtedly harder to target.

 

  1. Lock away expensive items 

Opportunist thefts will see an item they want and take steps to steal it. To prevent this, keep all expensive equipment away from doors and windows where a smash and grab theft might be possible. You could even secure equipment to walls and floors. The same applies for machinery and outdoor equipment. Lock it up out of sight.

 

  1. Visit your premises regularly 

Visit your business every single day if possible or make sure there’s someone onsite when you’re not. To stop criminals from working out your daily routine, show up at different times so that your visiting hours are unpredictable.

 

  1. Take care on social media 

Posting that your business is closed implies no-one will be there. This can result in break-ins and thefts, so think carefully about what you put on social media.

  1. Have a skeleton staff during holidays 

Intrusions happen frequently during holiday periods when offices and businesses are closed. To reduce the risk, employ a skeleton staff to keep the company going during important celebrations or pop in yourself to make sure everything is secure.

5 Most Stolen Items From Farms

Farms are frequently targeted by thieves, mostly because they’re home to a wide range of expensive and in-demand equipment. As farms are based in rural locations, criminals often don’t have to worry about being caught by passersby, giving them an added sense of security. The good news is, business alarm systems serve as excellent deterrents, keeping your belongings as safe as possible, 24 hours a day.

With all this in mind, let’s take a quick look at five of the most stolen items from farms that’ll make you want to install a business camera system.

1. GPS Kits

If you’ve watched Season 2 of Clarkson’s Farm on Amazon Prime, you’ll know that GPS kits are frequently stolen from farms, with Jeremy and Caleb having a lengthy discussion about this issue. In 2022, police warned farmers to increase their security, with criminal gangs taking advantage of busy harvest seasons to steal precious and expensive items. Indeed, according to NFU Mutual figures, the national cost of claims for GPS theft almost doubled in 2020, to £2.9 million. This was largely fuelled by the pandemic with criminals looking for a portable steal.

2. Farm Pick-Ups

As second-hand car prices soar, rural thieves have also been targeting farm pick-up trucks. Shockingly, more than twice as many pick-ups were stolen each month in 2022 than in 2021. Farmers have recently been encouraged to increase security measures for their vehicles, even if their pick-ups have seen better days and are over ten years old. This is because older Toyota Hilux and Mitsubishi L200 models are the most regularly targeted pick-up models.

3. Livestock

Believe it or not, livestock rustling has become more lucrative for criminals, with figures revealing animals worth £2.4 million were stolen from farms in 2021 alone. Soaring food prices in recents months could now mean that livestock theft will increase, raising concerns about food security, animal welfare and unsanitary slaughter conditions which could impact human health. A loss of animals can severely impact a farmer’s profit, which is why installing a commercial CCTV system is essential. What’s more, if you’ve a farm shop or somewhere to sell the produce of your farm, make sure this is CCTV-protected too.

4. Quad Bikes

Quad bikes are easy to steal and sell well on the second-hand market. This makes them a great target for thieves. With their ability to handle off-road jobs and tow trailers, quad bikes offer a quick and easy solution to checking livestock and navigating fields. With this in mind, never leave quad bikes out in open areas and always padlock them away in secure barns and sheds that aren’t easy to access.

5. Agricultural Machinery

Millions of pounds worth of tractors are stolen every year, with tractor thefts up by 20% in 2022. Highly-organised thieves use stolen articulated lorries to haul away expensive tractors and loaders in the dead of night, with criminals upping their game since the pandemic. To prevent this, make sure all gates are locked, keep vehicles off roads or locked up at a separate location if possible, and consider infra-red beam alarms, CCTV and fit trackers. It’s also advisable to update your insurance policy and to make sure the insurance details, including the small print, meets your needs.

Ensure the security of your farm is up-to-scratch today and deter criminal activity in the best way possible. As farmers, best practices should always be followed and entire farm teams should be trained to prevent items from being stolen.