By Julie Brown, global director of service transformation, Johnson Controls
Providing the most up-to-date fire protection technology is critical to maintaining a safe and healthy environment. One southern hospital’s fire  alarm system had become outdated, making it difficult to service due to the unavailability of obsolete parts. To help keep its staff and patients  safe, remain prepared for emergencies and stay on the cutting-edge of fire protection, the hospital needed to update its fire system to the  latest technology.

New fire alarm system chosen for its self-testing capabilities
A Johnson Controls service manager already had a successful relationship with the hospital’s director of facilities. Upon discussion of the hospital’s concerns, they suggested investing in a new solution – the Simplex 4100 ES system. This technology was chosen for its self-testing feature, which can perform a visual and audio inspection in a matter of seconds, helping alleviate the noise fatigue and disturbance to patients and staff that usually comes from general alarm testing. This feature, combined with Johnson Controls record of exemplary service, helped the service manager secure the bid.

Delivering a facility-wide response through addressable notification
With its new fire alarm system, the hospital is now prepared for the unexpected, providing occupants with industry-leading fire protection. The system’s addressable notification feature streamlines local firefighters’ response, allowing all fire devices to communicate across the hospital to help identify the location of the initial detection. Through the system’s integration with Simplex TrueSite Workstation, the hospital’s security team has access to graphical views of all alarm devices as well. And with its new self-testing feature, the hospital’s facility manager can test the system without interrupting patient care, a critical need in the healthcare industry as clinicians and staff continue to work round-the-clock to save lives and improve patient outcomes.

Hospitals need to invest in connectivity to deliver comprehensive protection and preparedness. Click here to learn more about how Johnson Controls serves healthcare facilities through the latest technologies and tailored service solutions.