People who work alone face both people risk and environmental risk. A single “press SOS” button is important, but not always enough. Falls, long periods of no movement, missed welfare checks, leaving a safe zone, or situations where opening a phone screen would make things worse all need clear ways to raise the alarm — and a control room ready to act.

Ways to call for help that match real situations

With Novus Guard, help can be raised in different ways depending on what is happening in the field, including:

  • Manual SOS — a deliberate alert when the person can use the phone, with location shared to the desk.
  • Discreet SOS — options to raise an alert without an obvious on-screen panic action when that would be unsafe.
  • Automatic / sensor SOS — support for situations such as a fall or prolonged no-movement when the person cannot press a button.
  • Zone-based alerts — warnings when someone leaves an assigned area or enters a restricted one.
  • Missed check-ins — welfare routines that escalate if expected contact does not happen.
  • Wearables — supported devices can help trigger discreet or fall-related alerts where the organisation uses them.

Organisations can choose which options fit their risk profile so the control room is not flooded with noise, but still hears about the events that matter.

Silent options when open panic is unsafe

Sometimes an officer needs help without drawing attention. Novus Guard supports discreet and silent-style escalation so the control room can be alerted while the person remains as safe as possible. That kind of option is important for personal safety and for professional monitoring setups.

From phone to control room

When SOS is raised, location and context reach managers quickly — on the desktop control room and on the go. Notifications keep the desk aware, and higher packages can add listen-in, two-way audio and live video so responders understand the situation. The field app is also designed to help when coverage is poor, so a temporary blackspot is less likely to leave someone unheard at the worst moment.

Not a substitute for emergency services

SOS and monitoring improve how an organisation responds; they do not replace 999/112 or local emergency services. Policies should make that clear to staff and clients, and pair technology with trained procedures.

To explore further, see Lone Worker Protection and Personal Safety / Solo, then book a conversation with your real lone-worker roles in mind.