Man Down and SOS: how they work to protect field teams
In an emergency, the worst case isn't the worker asking for help — it's them being unable to ask. A fall that knocks someone unconscious, a sudden illness, an entrapment: in those moments, relying on a manually pressed button isn't enough. That's what Man Down and SOS are for.
This article is part of the lone worker protection guide and details how these two features work in practice.
Contents
Emergency button (SOS)
SOS is the manual layer of protection. When a worker senses a risk, they trigger the emergency button right in the app. In one tap, the system:
- sends an instant alert to the control room;
- identifies the user and their location;
- notifies supervisors and dispatchers;
- can start a video stream to assess the incident;
- lets the worker close the alert once they're safe.
Man Down
Man Down is the automatic layer — and it's the one that protects whoever can't reach the SOS. Using the device's sensors, it works on two fronts:
Fall detection. The app identifies possible falls. Before opening an emergency, the user gets a notification and a short window (for example, 30 seconds) to confirm they're OK. If they don't respond or ask for help, the emergency protocol fires automatically.
No-movement (immobility) detection. If the worker stays still for a configured period, the system runs an automatic check. With no response, the situation is treated as a potential incident and the emergency starts. It's ideal for guards, field technicians and isolated operators.
The detail that matters: by giving a confirmation window before opening the case, Man Down reduces false alarms without failing to protect whoever truly needs it.
What happens when an alert fires
Whether by manual SOS or automatic Man Down, the alert follows the same escalation path: the control room and supervisors are notified instantly, with the worker's identity and location, and can respond by voice, open video or dispatch help. Response time drops from "whenever someone notices" to seconds.
These features are part of BiPTT Safety, on the same communication platform the team already uses. See also how periodic check-in and the emergency video call work, or talk to our team to configure your operation's protocol.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between Man Down and the SOS button?
SOS is triggered manually by the worker when they sense a risk. Man Down is automatic: it uses the device's sensors to detect falls and immobility and opens an emergency even when the person can't ask for help.
Can Man Down cause false alarms?
Before opening an emergency, the system sends a notification and gives the worker a window (for example, 30 seconds) to confirm they're OK. Only if there's no response does the protocol fire — which cuts false alarms without giving up protection.