Combining light call and real-time location tracking: ERA makes it possible!

In German hospitals, light calls are required by law as an alarm system. Many institutions in the healthcare sector also use Wi-Fi-based systems for real-time localisation. RTLS from Ekahau is one such real-time location system. German network specialist Avanis has now developed ERA, an interface that transmits light calls to the real-time localisation system for the first time.

ERA stands for ‘ESPA RTLS Adapter’ and is not limited to use in the care sector. The ‘ESPA RTLS Adapter’ can be used wherever call systems, alarm servers or logistics systems communicate via the ESPA standard. It also works with the XML-based ESPA-X standard, which uses the IP interface instead of the serial interface.

ESPA is the standard interface for controlling paging systems, particularly in the care sector. In recent years, however, the demands placed on mobile alerting systems have increased significantly. One key new technology is real-time localisation via the Wi-Fi network. Finnish company Ekahau has developed RTLS, a Wi-Fi localisation system that sets new standards in terms of security and efficiency. Whereas previously, nursing staff could only alert others to an emergency by pressing a light call button or picking up the phone, dialling and explaining where they were, RTLS pagers now allow them to trigger an emergency call in a fraction of a second using a pull cord switch. This saves valuable time. The colleagues who receive the alert can see exactly where the alarm was triggered, down to within a metre.

Furthermore, the possible applications of RTLS in hospitals are virtually unlimited: whether it's operating resources, hospital beds or medical equipment – with Ekahau real-time location RTLS, the objects you are looking for can be found quickly. Valuable equipment is secured against unauthorised removal or theft at low cost. Text messages can be sent quickly and easily to any number of people via the integrated messaging system. Ekahau RTLS functions as a motion detector with an alarm function and, as an emergency transmitter, ensures the safety of staff and patients.