Area of Rescue Systems is designed to provide communication between 'safe areas' and the building lobby or fire command center.  For example, floor landings within a protected stairwell may be designated safe area for the handicapped where a remote call station with appropriate signs is located.  When the remote station is activated by pressing the call button, an alert tone and selector button is activated at the master station.  The emergency response crews may then communicate to the calling station through the built in intercom. Building codes and the ADA require rescue assistance systems in some buildings.

The “control” panel is the heart of this system which is usually wall-mounted on the ground floor near a main entrance. This is the point where a firefighter would first enter to check the status of people still in the building. A single control panel can support multiple rescue assistance areas. Each area is clearly represented on the control panel by a written description of its location within the building, an LED and a switch that activates two-way communication. The control panel also includes an alarm that emits a minimum sound level of 90 decibels (at 30cm). Via this panel, rescue personnel can confirm arrival and initiate two-way conversation with an area of rescue assistance.

A “station” panel is each rescue assistance area is mounted on the wall. It communicates with, and receives power from, the control panel. Each station panel has a switch to send a distress call to the control panel. A flashing LED and audible alarm let the user know that the control panel alarm has been activated. The panel allows a stranded individual to speak to rescue personnel without having to activate any additional switches to carry on the conversation.

When the emergency is resolved, the central station operator pushes a reset button that restores the entire system to stand-by status. In the event of a wiring fault, each annunciator button is equipped with a yellow LED that illuminates while an alarm sounds identifying the area requiring service. An optional battery operated back-up power supply takes over in case of power outage.