In this featured piece by WKOW (ABC 27), the outlet covers a new wearable panic button for teachers developed by Singlewire, a Madison-based software company. Paul Shain, founder of Singlewire, explained that the badge lets teachers request help with a few presses of a button, sending alerts either within the school or directly to law enforcement. Three quick presses signal a request for help with incidents like a fight or medical emergency, while six or more presses activate a high-level alert for situations such as an active shooter or lockdown. The badge connects with nearby beacons to pinpoint the user’s location down to the classroom, and school-wide alerts route through existing school devices like desk phones, PA systems, and fire alarms. The panic buttons are currently being piloted in schools across Dane County, with wider implementation expected in 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Singlewire, a Madison-based software company, developed a wearable panic button that lets teachers request help with a few presses of a button.
- Three quick presses signal a call for help for incidents like a fight or medical emergency, while six or more presses set off a high-level alert for situations like an active shooter or lockdown.
- The badge connects with nearby beacons to pinpoint the user’s location down to the classroom, helping first responders know exactly where to go.
- Paul Shain, founder of Singlewire, said the software can reach any device connected to a school’s network, including desk phones, PA systems, and fire alarms, turning them into addressable notification devices.
- The panic buttons are being piloted in schools across Dane County, Wisconsin, with wider implementation expected in 2026.
Original Story
When crises happen inside of schools, every second counts.
That’s why Paul Shain, founder of Singlewire software, said his company developed a wearable panic button for teachers. It sends alerts school-wide or to law enforcement with a few presses of a button.
“Time matters,” Shain said. “The faster you can get help to a location and to the scene of the incident, you save lives.”
Three quick presses on the badge signal a call for help for incidents like a fight or medical emergency. Six or more presses on the badge triggers a high-level alert, like an active shooter or lockdown. The badge then connects with nearby beacons to pinpoint the user’s exact location, down to the classroom. This helps first responders know exactly where to go.