Duress Alarm Systems

24/7 safety and peace of mind for those under duress

If you're living in an unsafe household with the risk of experiencing abuse or domestic violence, or living or working alone, personal duress alarms and panic buttons can provide you with peace of mind knowing that help is just a button away.

Duress alarms are usually worn as a pendant around the neck or as a bracelet, and when activated, will send out a duress signal to the Tunstall Customer Care Centre where our 24/7 Care Consultants will be able to immediately dispatch emergency assistance to your location. The alarm in these cases can be programmed not to make the standard loud, audible noises. It could also switch to one-way communication, meaning that the speaker would not transmit the Care Consultant speaking, but the microphone would still pick up anything on the user’s side.


Benefits of duress alarm systems

Peace of mind

Fast response

Increased safety

Deter attackers


Who are duress alarms for?

People at risk of domestic violence

People who are at risk of domestic violence and abuse can wear a personal duress alarm that, when activated, will immediately notify the Tunstall Customer Care Centre which will then dispatch emergency assistance to their location.

Isolated Workers

If you work in an isolated environment or are the only person working in your office late at night, duress alarms give you the reassurance that help is just a button away should you need it. Other examples of lone workers include healthcare & social workers, or those who work in dangerous or isolated environments like mining & factory workers, truck/delivery drivers, lab workers, and others.

Workers with Medical Conditions

If you have a medical condition that could put you at risk if you were to fall or have an accident, duress alarms provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones, knowing that emergency assistance can be dispatched immediately should you need it.

At-Risk Employees

Aggressive behaviour towards healthcare workers is on the rise, with a 55% increase in assaults in the past five years. Healthcare and aged care workers are exposed on a daily basis to personal safety risks, especially when travelling for work or doing in-home care where help may not be immediately available. A wireless duress alarm can be life-saving in these situations, so the worker can contact their team for help.

The elderly and people living with disabilities

If you are caring for an older person or person living with a disability, duress alarms can provide peace of mind knowing that they can easily summon help should they need it.


Tunstall duress alarm monitoring services

Tunstall's duress alarm monitoring services are available 24/7, 365 days a year. We have a team of experienced and certified Care Consultants who are trained to handle duress alarm signals and will dispatch emergency services assistance to your location as quickly as possible.

Learn more about our monitoring services here.

The Tunstall Gem4® - Duress alarm features

The Tunstall Gem4 is our market-leading personal safety & duress alarm system for lone workers and other at-risk persons. This 4G personal alarm pendant allows the user to call for assistance when out and about. Key features include:

  • Easy-to-use SOS - get help with the push of a button

  • GPS location - to accurately locate the wearer

  • 24/7 monitoring - have peace of mind knowing someone will be on the line with you until help arrives

  • Fall detection - once activated, intelligent sensors will automatically activate the alarm system, even if the wearer is unconscious

  • IP67 Water Resistant - can be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes to a depth of 1m


How duress alarms work

Depending on the device configuration tailored to the user’s unique circumstances and needs, duress alarms can provide either one-way or two-way voice communication, GPS location tracking, and other 24/7 monitoring features.

Two-way communication

Duress alarms work by sending out a duress signal to the Tunstall Customer Care Centre when they are activated. Our team of 24/7 Care Consultants will then be able to immediately dispatch emergency assistance to the duress alarm wearer's location.

One-way Communication - Special Programming

The alarm in these cases would be programmed not to make the standard loud, audible noises. It could also switch to one-way communication meaning that the speaker would not transmit the Care Consultant speaking, but the microphone would still pick up anything on the user’s side.

What to do in an emergency

In the event of an emergency, simply press the button on your duress alarm to activate it. You will then be connected to one of our Care Consultants who will assess the situation and dispatch emergency assistance if required. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 000.

Want to learn more about duress alarm systems for yourself or your loved one?

If you're interested in purchasing a duress alarm system for yourself, your employees or your loved ones, please contact our team to arrange a quote or request a callback. We have a variety of funding options depending on your circumstances.


What people are saying about Tunstall’s duress alarms and other Connected Care services:


Duress Alarm FAQs:

+ How do I activate my duress alarm?

To activate your duress alarm, simply press the SOS button on the device. This will send a signal to our Customer Care Centre, where our team of Care Consultants will then assess the situation and dispatch emergency assistance if required.

+ When should a duress alarm be used?

A duress alarm should be used in any situation where you feel your safety is at risk and you need to summon help. This may include situations such as:

  • if you are threatened or attacked
  • if you witness a crime
  • if you are in an accident
  • if you have a medical emergency

+ How do you reset a Duress Alarm?

In case of a false alarm, or if ending a call, the user can press the SOS button again to cancel the call. If you need to reset your duress alarm, please contact Tunstall and our team will be able to assist you.

+ Where can they be used?

Duress alarms can be used anywhere, both indoors and outdoors, subject to alarm type, environmental conditions and mobile network connectivity. If you are a Tunstall client with a Gem4 device, our team will assist you during setup and activation to ensure sufficient signal strength for optimum usage and safety.

+ How much do duress alarms cost?

Pricing for personal duress alarm systems varies depending on the number of devices and the features you require. Contact us for a free quote.