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17th April 2024 Issue no. 701

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Skyguard launches lone worker iPhone app

Skyguard - Europe's personal safety service for lone workers, is launching an iPhone version of its 'Skyguard for Smartphone' software. The app, which converts an iPhone into a fully functional personal safety device, is an expansion of Skyguard's range which already includes software for Android, Blackberry, Symbian and Windows Mobile handsets, as well as dedicated devices.

Once installed through a simple download process, Skyguard's software enables the user to raise an alarm in any emergency situation, by simply shaking the device for a few seconds, or pressing an on-screen button.

Trained Controllers at Skyguard's 24/7 Incident Management Centre (IMC) will be able to view the user's GPS location and registered profile information, silently listen-in, and talk to the user if it's safe to do so. Controllers will follow the user's personalised emergency procedures which could include escalating to the Emergency services, Skyguard's National Response Service, or the employer's own nominated contacts, and guide them to the user's location.

The Skyguard for Smartphone software boasts a number of other safety features such as 'Voice Memo', which allows the user to leave a voice message on Skyguard's system giving details of where they are going and who they are meeting. Should the user raise an alarm, this message will be made available to Skyguard's Controllers, providing them with vital additional information which they can pass on to the emergency responder. The app also allows the user to set a delayed alarm for any time period between five minutes to six hours, which counts down and automatically raises the alarm to Skyguard's IMC if not cancelled by the user.

Skyguard Marketing Director, Will Murray says: "Organisations are increasingly moving towards equipping their workforces with the latest smartphones and making use of business apps to improve productivity. With the addition of iPhone software to our range, Skyguard can now offer industry-leading safety solutions on every major smartphone operating system. "This underlines our ongoing commitment to new product development, allowing customers to choose how to connect to our service based upon their own requirements."

Established in 2000, Skyguard offers a range of state-of-the-art personal safety devices linked to its own purpose built, UK based, 24/7 Incident Management Centre certified to the highest lone working industry standards (BS 8484, BS 5979 Category 2). It was the first single purpose Alarm Receiving Centre in the UK to receive these certifications by NSI's ARC Gold Approval scheme.

Skyguard is the UK's only wholly owned end-to-end service provider, with each component fully certified to all elements of BS 8484. One of the few companies in the industry to have GPS devices accredited by ACPO's coveted Secured by Design, the Skyguard service is used by over half the UK's Police forces to protect the most vulnerable in society. In August 2011, Skyguard launched the world's first and only localised emergency response service operating in 36 countries across Europe, the Russian Federation and South Africa.

For more information and to register for the exhibition, visit: www.safety-health-expo.co.uk E: [email protected] T: +44 (0)20 8786 3305

18th June 2014