Mercy Hospital system stops loitering, vandals

Jan 1, 1997 12:00 PM

Software-based wireless system integrates with a paging system at California site Roaming transients - stealing valuables and bothering patients - were a problem at Mercy Hospital in Bakersfield, Calif., until a software-based automated system secured the hospital's five floors.

In June of 1995, Tel-Tec Security Systems, Bakersfield, Calif., installed Actall's Crisis Controller, a wireless Windows 3.1-based monitoring system, which was integrated with a paging system to protect the hospital from theft, loitering and vandalism.

Before the installation, Jack Resendez, the hospital's security manager, identified what the system needed to do:

* control off-limit entrances and exits; * provide emergency call buttons to enable staff to alert security of problems; * be able to be expanded to adjacent buildings; and * be easily used and understood by the staff.

A hardwired system was considered for the application, but it was too expensive at about $100,000. The wireless system ended up costing about half as much. The system design calls for an Actall Model 486DX2-66MHz central processing unit - the Crisis Controller system - to be installed in an off-site security center across the street. (Lead-lined walls in the hospital's basement - constructed to meet earthquake requirements - prevented the CPU from being located there.)

Prior to the installation, Actall Corp., San Dimas, Calif., surveyed the facility and conducted radio frequency testing and surveys relating to coverage. The concrete walls in the building necessitated multiple receiver locations that would report to the monitoring center. C&K Systems' 900MHz spread spectrum transmitters were chosen for the door and emergency call stations. Installers ran wire through PVC under the street and up hospital elevator shafts to receive data from six locations. They used Black Box line drivers to place six receivers in the elevator shaft - one for each floor plus the basement. The C&K

Systems serial receivers accept wireless transmissions from the doors and call stations. The receivers report directly to the monitoring station. Initially 20 to 30 transmitters were installed in critical areas, such as drug storage rooms, the library and stairwell landings. The system will eventually receive data and transmission alarms from 50 locations.

The CPU transmits information on a Motorola People Plus (2-watt version) on-site customer paging system. Motorola Advisor alphanumeric pagers are carried by security personnel and roving guards.

The Crisis Controller software is interfaced with the paging system and sends an alphanumeric display indicating location, time and ID number of the alarm transmitter activated via a pager. Emergency call buttons protect staff and patients when a critical situation occurs. The supervised single-push-button transmitters are individually ID coded to respond to the monitoring center. Morgan E. Clayton of Tel-Tec Security Systems says "the system in full operation has no problems and is receiving high marks from the director of security."

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