911Cellular Discusses Healthcare Safety in Modern Care Environments on the Becker's Healthcare Podcast
Every healthcare worker deserves to feel safe at work— and we’re committed to helping make that a reality. That’s why we were honored to join the Becker’s Healthcare Podcast and weigh in on an important conversation around workplace violence prevention. In a recent episode, Dan Hunnisett, Regional Sales Director at 911Cellular and former healthcare security manager, joined host Jakob Emerson to explore how technology is evolving to meet the safety demands of a mobile, high-pressure healthcare environment.
Dan’s mission is clear: “I’ve always wanted to help more people. At 911Cellular, we’re doing that by delivering smart, scalable safety solutions to hospitals, clinics, and care teams wherever they work.”
A Rising Tide of Risk
The discussion opens with a hard truth: workplace violence is increasing, especially in healthcare. “Data shows that assaults against those healthcare workers have been increasing for the last four years,” Dan shares. “Compared to 2019, those rates of assaults have in fact doubled as of 2022.” He goes on to explain how hospital emergency departments are becoming de facto behavioral health units as mental health resources shrink and specialized facilities close.
“These departments aren’t traditionally equipped to handle that on a more regular basis… we’re placing more people in their care who are experiencing these elevated emotions because they can’t get the care they need.”
Add that to the changing care landscape where providers work in smaller clinics, patient homes, and other environments without the traditional robust security protocols available in larger hospitals and healthcare facility settings, and the need for flexible, integrated safety tools becomes clear.
From Wearables to Workstations
As a team with diverse backgrounds, including healthcare safety and law enforcement, we understand the varied needs of caregivers within the industry and how to best support them and first responders during emergency situations. That’s why we’ve created a scalable, customizable, fully integrated platform. It’s also why we are always looking to integrate with companies like Zebra Technologies - so hospitals can provide robust protection to their staff by leveraging the hardware they’ve already invested in.
“There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to safety,” says Dan. “That’s why we offer multiple staff duress technologies, so every team, in every environment, has access to a solution that fits their workflow.”
Alert
No two roles are the same, and neither are their safety needs. From nurses and security officers to front desk staff and clinicians, 911Cellular offers multiple ways to silently and instantly initiate an alert. Each tool is designed to integrate with your facility’s existing infrastructure and adapt to your workflow.
Mobile Safety App: Compatible with iOS, Android, smartwatches, and, as Dan explain more indepth in the podcast – Zebra devices, the Mobile Safety App turns everyday technology into an on-the-go safety tool. Staff can call for help, stream live audio and video to dispatch, send anonymous tips, or access important safety documentation, all from their preferred mobile device. It also supports optional Bluetooth panic button accessories for an even quicker and easier way to signal for assistance.
Computer Panic Buttons: Designed for desktops and laptops, this silent alarm can be activated with a pre-determined keystroke combination or mouse click. Ideal for front desks, nursing stations, and admin areas, it integrates into existing systems and is fully customizable to control who is alerted and how.
Wearable Panic Buttons: The BadgeR+ is a discreet, wearable panic button that clips onto badges or lanyards and offers three customizable activation types, making it perfect for mobile staff who need quick access to help. Built-in haptic feedback confirms that the alert has been successfully sent, and real-time location tracking helps responders find the user fast.
Wall-Mounted Panic Button: Ideal for shared or high-traffic areas, these fixed devices provide a reliable way for anyone to quickly call for help. Connected via WiFi or BLE beacons, they’re easy to install within your existing network infrastructure. “These aren’t standalone tools,” Dan says. “Our platform is built to integrate with your devices, your workflows, and your clinical tools.”
Respond
Once an alert is triggered, 911Cellular’s Public Safety Hub system routes it in real-time to the right responders, whether that’s building security, designated safety teams, or local 911 dispatch. Alerts include data such as exact location, down to the floor and room, as well as live audio and video from compatible devices on scene. That means faster decisions, smarter responses, and improved outcomes.
Inform
Clear communication is critical during a crisis, but also in day-to-day operations. Our Emergency Notification System ensures the right people get the right information at the right time. Whether triggered manually or automatically, alerts can be sent across multiple channels: text, email, push notification, computer screen takeover, and more. Messages can easily be sent to all users during a crisis or targeted to specific roles, teams, or locations, keeping communication focused and efficient.
Report
When the dust settles, you need more than just a memory of what happened; you need the facts. 911Cellular’s Public Safety Hub automatically logs every alert, test, and system update, so nothing slips through the cracks. Admins can easily pull reports on user activity, device check-ins, and configuration changes right from the Hub.
What Healthcare Leaders Should Prioritize
Dan closes with practical advice: “Assess your risks across the full spectrum. Not just the hospital, but outpatient clinics, home health, and everywhere care happens. And choose a partner who understands what deployment, training, and long-term support actually look like.”
If you use Zebra devices and want to explore how they can support your safety goals, or if you’re simply looking for practical ways to better protect your care teams, listen to the Becker’s Healthcare Podcast to hear more of Dan’s insights from his years in healthcare security.
