Madrid Hospital Improves Employee Safety, Security With Real-Time Location System

  • Aug 04, 2008

Ekahau Inc., a provider of Wi-Fi-based Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS), recently announced that the 12 de Octubre Hospital in Madrid, Spain, has installed a Wi-Fi-based location tracking solution that is designed to improve security and safety of its emergency room employees.

The solution, deployed by Indra, is built on the Ekahau Positioning Engine, a software-based location server that leverages existing enterprise Wi-Fi infrastructure for location tracking.

"The Ekahau Positioning Engine helps hospitals capitalize on their existing Wi-Fi infrastructure," said Antti Korhonen, president and CEO of Ekahau. "Not only can they quickly and cost-effectively deploy new applications -- like the Indra's panic button application -- but new applications can easily be added to improve reporting, compliance and workflow within a healthcare setting."

With the deployment, the 12 de Octubre Hospital will provide its emergency room personnel with Ekahau Wi-Fi tags that include a "panic button" that can be pushed in the event of a security concern, such as assault or robbery. This panic button application will alert the hospital's security department, enabling them to know exactly where the incident has occurred and respond promptly.

The panic button application in use at 12 de Octubre Hospital is just one module of the Indra Localiza Suite, which is based on the Ekahau Positioning Engine. The solution also enables hospitals to use the same Wi-Fi infrastructure to create secure access zones within a building. By doing this, users can detect unauthorized access to restricted areas and track the location of assets to prevent loss or theft of critical equipment. Additionally, the Ekahau location tracking solution can be integrated with IP telephony systems, enabling users to receive alerts and manage the system from a Wi-Fi smartphone or dual-mode GSM/Wi-Fi phone.

"Ekahau RTLS provided our development team with one of the most powerful and flexible API software interfaces, enabling us to quickly and easily integrate the Ekahau Positioning Engine into our application layer," said Jose Antelo, responsible for Solutions Development in Corporate Networking at Indra. "Another advantage to partnering with Ekahau is that its solution provides the best level of accuracy available in the market over standard WLAN access points and requires no additional infrastructure deployment to track assets down to the room level."

Featured

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.