CINCINNATI (WKRC) – In a significant leap forward for school safety, Saint Susanna School in Cincinnati has adopted innovative wearable technology known as “SmartBadges.” These devices, designed to provide instantaneous emergency alerts, promise to revolutionize how school staff respond to crises, potentially saving crucial minutes during emergencies.
The SmartBadges, developed by the Lebanon-based medical tech company Palarum, feature a simple button-click system that allows teachers to alert colleagues and authorities to various levels of threats. Depending on the number of times the button is pressed, the badges can convey different types of alerts, ensuring a rapid and appropriate response.
For instance, pressing the button once sends an “assistance required” alert to the three nearest SmartBadge-equipped individuals. “It sends them the type of alarm, their location, and the person who initiated it,” explains Brian Riesenberg, Palarum’s Director of Technology and Quality. This quick communication can be crucial in scenarios like medical emergencies or minor incidents where immediate but not wide-scale assistance is needed.
Two clicks on the button escalate the alert to a “suspicious character” warning, notifying every SmartBadge user in the vicinity. This prompt allows the staff to initiate lockdown procedures swiftly if necessary, enhancing the school’s ability to handle potential threats proactively.
The most severe alert is triggered by holding the button for three seconds, which not only alerts the Mason Police Department but also sends a specific voicemail detailing the situation. “We can send a custom message to the badges, guiding individuals to safe exits and informing them of the shooter’s location,” Riesenberg adds.
The origin of this cutting-edge technology is both fascinating and heartbreaking. Palarum initially developed the SmartBadges for healthcare, creating socks that alerted nurses to patients at risk of falling. However, the escalating number of school shootings urged Palarum’s founder and CEO, Patrick Baker, to repurpose the technology for educational institutions. “We felt an urgent need to help and believed our technology could make a significant difference,” Baker states. The pilot for this new application began at Saint Susanna, where Baker’s own son is a student.
Implementing the SmartBadges required a year-long effort to ensure seamless Wi-Fi connectivity across the entire campus. “To be effective, the system must work perfectly 100% of the time. This meant eliminating any dead zones within the school’s infrastructure,” Baker emphasizes.
Every morning, teachers collect and program their badges, ensuring they are prepared for any eventuality. This user-friendly approach also extends to visitors and substitute teachers, ensuring comprehensive coverage during school hours.
“Unfortunately, such measures are necessary in today’s educational environment. It’s something no one wants to deal with but is crucial for school safety,” notes St. Susanna Principal Dan Albrinck. The school’s adoption of this technology signals a proactive approach to emergency preparedness, aiming to mitigate risks and enhance the safety of students and staff.
Currently, Saint Susanna is one of four schools testing the SmartBadges, with plans for further enhancements already in the pipeline. Future upgrades may include features like built-in microphones and charging ports, ensuring the badges remain as effective and versatile as possible.
As schools nationwide grapple with the challenge of maintaining safety, innovations like the SmartBadge represent a pivotal tool in the effort to protect students and staff from harm.