The Panic button explained by C3’s Raychel Mattheeuw

Let us introduce you to Raychel Mattheeuw. Raychel is the Network & Service Manager of C3. He already works 23 years for the C3 and is expert when it comes to Critical Communication Solutions. We interviewed Raychel about the panic button; an important feature of the NEW Motorola MTP 3550

What is a panic button and how does it function?
A panic button is a button with a special function on each radio. The button distinguishes itself from the other buttons on the radio, because of its orange color. The panic button has several functions; when pressing the button, a message is sent to all the radios in the same group. The radio will also start beeping and the screen will turn red and show an emergency sign/notification. The radio of which the panic button was pressed, will communicate with the other radios and the microphones will automatically be enabled. The receivers of the notification can listen to their radios if someone is calling for help.

In which situations would you use the panic button?
The panic button is used in case of emergency. If a security guard is being assaulted for example, he/she can press the panic button. The panic button can be programmed to overrule all other functions, which means that if anyone is talking through the radio, it will interrupt the call and notify the connected radio(s) that there is a problem. The radio can be installed to notify a person, a group of people or control room security officers. If the radio does not have a GPS, the location should be known in advance, so in case the person who pressed the panic button is not able to talk, the ones who get notified will know where to go or where to send help.

What makes the panic button unique?
It’s a life saving function that can be used with other functions as well, like the man-down function. If the radio falls down or there’s a lack of movement for 10-30 seconds or horizontal tilt, the radio will automatically transmit an emergency alert.

What are the main advantages of the panic button?
The panic button is essential for ensuring quality, safety, peace of mind and timely communication at work.

Is the panic button reliable?
Yes, because the radios are connected to our TETRA network, which is secure and reliable as it delivers always available communications. Even when the system is busy, transmission will still take place.

Can you share an experience of a customer with the panic button?
There once was a shooting at Caracasbaaiweg on Curacao and a police man pressed the panic button. Police troops headed immediately to the scene, which was tracked through real-time GPS location.

Do you offer several installation options for the panic button?
The panic button is a standard function in most of our radios. The installation options are tailor-made to suit every clients’ specific needs. For a bus company for example we did a custom installation where the panic button is directly placed on the foot switch.

What are the steps to take if interested in the panic button?
Contact our account managers at:

Curacao:
Yamilette Emerenciana
Margrietlaan 15, Emmastad, Willemstad
yamilette.emerenciana@c3.cw
Tel: +5999 737 2477

St. Maarten:
Albert Kemper
A.Th. Illidge Road # 106, Madame Estate, St. Maarten
+1721 542 5414
info@C3caribbean.sx

Aruba:
Tecelly Donker
Ahmo Plaza – Av. Milio Croes 106, Aruba
+297-5827751
info@c3.aw

They will be ready to assist you with the best solution for your operation.