Recap: RTLS Tech for Staff Duress 

9/26/2024

One important component of a thoughtfully designed safety infrastructure is real-time locating system (RTLS) technology, which tracks the location of individuals in real time. Where this technology becomes especially crucial is in emergency situations like workplace violence events against caregivers, where immediate location information can be the difference between quick help and a delayed response.

The varying locating technologies on the market offer different levels of precision, affecting their usefulness in staff duress situations. In a recent Campus Safety article, we explored the accuracy, impact and cost of each technology. Check out the full article breakdown at Campus Safety or click here to learn more about RTLS technology for staff duress. Here’s a recap.

GPS-Based Systems

Pros:

• Useful for home care workers or outdoor spaces like parking garages
• Can be used with GPS-capable devices like cell phones, making it an inexpensive option

Cons:

• Lacks the floor- and room-level location detail needed for staff duress

Wi-Fi Signaling Technology 

Pros:

• Existing Wi-Fi networks can be used as a starting point for RTLS implementation, freeing up costs and resources

Cons:

• Location accuracy is zone-level, within 10-20 meters, meaning signals can jump floors—not ideal for duress events
• Supplemental technology must be added for increased accuracy
• Badges use a fair amount of battery life, which adds to overall costs

Bluetooth^® (BLE) Signaling Technology 

Pros:

• Can leverage BLE-capable Wi-Fi access points, offering accuracy within five meters
• Alternatively, modern plug-in sensors offer near-room level accuracy within three meters, making it most compatible for locating staff  
• Leverages low energy technology, giving a longer badge battery life
• Quick and easy to install and more cost-effective compared to room-certain technology

Cons:

• Location accuracy is not room-certain
• BLE-capable Wi-Fi networks may require additional licensing requirements from the networking vendor, which can be costly

Infrared (IR), Ultrasound, and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Signaling Technologies 

Pros:

• Extremely valuable where definitive location data is needed, offering room-certain accuracy down to one meter
• Has been used in healthcare for 20+ years, so it’s possible an existing infrastructure is already in place

Cons:

• Cost- and labor-intensive to install with locating devices needed in each location or room
• Wireless devices, which reduce installation costs, require frequent battery changes, incurring additional expenses over time

Hybrid Technology Solutions 

Pros:

• Combines room-level or better location precision with BLE, balancing flexibility, accuracy and results

Cons:

• Requires a strategic decision and investment in RTLS technology; health systems must know where they are today and where they plan to go in the future