Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
- Panic alert devices are now mandatory in Utah schools to enhance safety.
- AEGIX Global's wearable panic button quickly notifies authorities and school personnel of emergencies.
- Some districts, like Canyons, are evaluating different systems before finalizing their choice.
HOLLADAY — The makers of a new safety device said lives can be saved in Utah schools with a click of a button.
Panic alert devices are now required in our state's classrooms by law.
Officials in Georgia credited panic buttons for saving lives following a school shooting there.
AEGIX Global CEO Chet Linton said teachers in Kane County were the first to try out the company's wearable panic button. It's used with the Aegix AIM app that's already in hundreds of Utah schools.
When Aegix AIM launches on a teacher's phone, they can report an emergency to the entire campus and local law enforcement within seconds.
Linton said the button has advantages over the emergency response app.
"I believe why our state has been pushing this and feeling it's important is because if I have to dig and find a phone, that's a delay," he said.
Linton said the devices are easy to use and reliable.
"It can be worn on a lapel, on a lanyard or there's even a watch adapter for it as well," he said.
To use the device, teachers hold down the button for a second and a half, then a lockdown alarm sounds.
"It will immediately notify first responders as well as dispatch, also everybody in school," Linton said.
The buttons alone cost $50 each.
"A lot of the districts are really trying to figure out what's the smartest thing to do, what fits our budget, how does it work, how will it work?" Linton said. "What's the state really requiring us to do?"
Linton said they consulted with police officers and teachers about the size and functionality.
"In fact, we've talked to the state school safety chief about what was his opinion, how does he feel, what experiences has he had and what would give him comfort," Linton said.
He said buttons that are too small can often set off false alarms.
"This button is big, it's easy," Linton said. "When we're stressed we forget about fine motor skills."
The battery-operated device flashes when it needs a recharge.
Linton said it's another tool that can speed up the response when students and teachers are in danger.
"We're using panic buttons right now for life or death," he said. "It's got to work and it has to be easy."
Some districts are still deciding which kind of panic button system to use. A spokesperson for Canyons School District said it completed one pilot program and have another one that's ongoing. It is waiting for both pilots to be completed before it makes a decision.
