Emergency stations: instant visibility when every moment is crucial

In emergency situations, every second counts. It is crucial that everyone responds appropriately while first responders have immediate access to accurate information. At Nsecure, we understand these challenges like no other. With our innovative emergency pillars, integrated with a central Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) platform, we provide real-time oversight and support. This enables emergency services to act quickly and effectively, while on-site staff know exactly what to do. In this article, our security experts Jurgen Willems and Filip Milovanovic explain why this solution is essential for organizations that want to be prepared for unexpected situations.

What are Emergency stations?

Jurgen Willems explains: “Emergency stations – also known as muster points – are strategically placed units specifically designed to provide a reliable and rapid response in large environments in the event of emergencies. From an evacuation in an office building to a fire at a petrochemical site. Our emergency stations are equipped with various security solutions – such as access control, real-time occupancy information, camera surveillance, and intercom – and are designed to effectively ensure the safety of employees and visitors.”

Emergency station in various designs

Nsecure’s emergency stations are available in various designs and equipped with weather-resistant enclosures. Additionally, the stations can be fully customized to meet the specific needs of any company. Everything is possible—from custom (brand) colors to integrating relevant technologies that align with existing systems and the organization’s security policy.

The emergency stations are equipped with:

• Access control with card readers – Employees and visitors can safely check in at the station using their access card, which is crucial for maintaining an overview of people present in case of an emergency.
• Information display – Notifications, statuses, or emergency information are shown on the (touch) display, tailored to pre-programmed scenarios.
• Intercom – Enables remote instructions and additional information to be shared. This ensures that individuals can be safely guided to another location in changing conditions, such as wind direction.
• Camera surveillance – Each station is equipped with both a fixed camera and a PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) camera, allowing incidents to be monitored remotely.
• Traffic light function – An optional colored light (‘color beacon’) indicates whether the station is safe to use, providing clear visual guidance in high-stress situations, such as during hazardous material incidents or fires.

Emergency stations in practice

Filip Milovanovic further explains: “When an emergency occurs – such as a fire, an incident, or smoke development with hazardous materials – employees and visitors can immediately go to the emergency station. Thanks to the integrated access control system, they can safely check in with their access card. This information is instantly visible, allowing emergency responders to know who is present and who is not. This makes evacuations more efficient and targeted, especially when every second counts. With the intercom and camera surveillance, security staff can monitor situations remotely and share instructions and protocols via the screen based on the circumstances.”

Nsecure’s emergency stations have already proven their value, especially in the petrochemical industry and port companies. Jurgen explains: “In these sectors, only the highest level of safety will do. There is no room for incidents or emergencies. It is precisely in these large industrial locations, where hundreds to thousands of employees and contractors work daily, that there is a strong need for a highly efficient and integrated approach to safety.”

Emergency stations: an essential part of modern security management

The strength of emergency stations lies in their versatility. The stations not only provide support in emergencies but also contribute to improving daily processes and enhancing overall safety. During calm periods, the stations can also serve as information points with maps, communication materials, or safety guidelines. Filip: “It is part of an integrated security approach with a strong focus on process optimization, especially in hectic situations. This makes them indispensable for organizations striving for a safe, efficient, and well-organized working environment.”

From healthcare to logistics: added value in every sector

Whether it’s about safety within industry, healthcare, logistics, or airports – emergency stations provide solutions that go beyond traditional muster points. Jurgen: “They combine innovation, safety, and efficiency into a powerful tool that helps organizations be prepared for the unexpected. With technology that continues to evolve, emergency stations will play an increasingly important role in modern security management.”