Frontline teams are stuck in an analog, pre-internet world, and Relay is here to change that. The company’s cloud-based platform unifies school, college, and healthcare facility communications wherever employees are and however they work.
Relay combines a complete panic alert system and push-to-talk communications in one small, lightweight device so staff can stay connected during emergencies.
To find out more about the company and its products, Campus Safety spoke with Relay Senior Vice President of Product and Marketing John Schniepp.
CS: What is the top panic alarm/mobile duress system or app from your company, and what makes it special? How does it apply to healthcare facilities, schools and/or higher education security, public safety and/or emergency management?
Jon Schniepp. Photo courtesy Relay
Jon Schniepp: Unlike other panic solutions, Relay combines a complete panic alert system and two-way radio in one device. Being able to communicate details from the scene in real-time from a designated panic channel is crucial for frontline workers in any industry, but especially those in the healthcare, education, and emergency spaces. With indoor location tracking and GPS, Relay’s panic alerts also inform respondents of where the incident occurred, so help can arrive as quickly as possible. This feature is available on all Relay devices, including the smartphone app and desktop dashboard.
CS: What other products or offerings would you like to highlight, and what are some of their qualities and benefits?
Schniepp: Relay also gets rid of common radio issues like local chatter, limited range, and not enough channels for every team or department. Teachers, nurses, and safety leaders enjoy Relay’s 1:1 calling feature so they can speak with someone directly. In addition to comms and panic, Relays come with built-in translators. Being able to communicate effectively includes overcoming language barriers and embracing diversity. Whether it’s for patients, students, parents, or staff, being able to speak their language goes a long way when it comes to reducing mistakes, safety issues, and wasted time.
CS: How do your company and its offerings address the needs of hospitals, schools and/or universities?
Schniepp: Having gaps in communication is not just frustrating, but a huge safety issue. Hospitals and schools are often large facilities with numerous staff. Messages need to be delivered quickly and may contain sensitive information, so delivering them on foot or through an overhead paging system isn’t always an option. In these settings specifically, Relay is a great fit because it’s discreet, lightweight, very durable, and has everything staff needs – including a panic button – in one device. It’s even small enough to put in your pocket, on a lanyard, or clip to your belt. Relay also has nationwide coverage, so users don’t need to worry about range restrictions when going off property for a field trip or to visit another location.
CS: What else is new or noteworthy about your company for 2024?
Schniepp: 2024 has been a huge year for us! We’ve successfully raised $35 million in Series B funding, expanded our translation capabilities to over 30 languages, and released new features like TeamTranslate™, Asset Tracking, and Rounds. The trust and support we’ve gotten from our customers and investors in the past year has allowed us to expand into new markets and enhance our product even more. In the next few months, we’ll also be releasing the next generation of our product, so more to come soon.
CS: What is your company’s overall value proposition to schools, universities and/or hospitals? Why should they do business with you?
Schniepp: We’re elevating safety through streamlined communications. Relay is committed to keeping frontline workers safe and protected by arming them with cutting-edge technology so they feel empowered and equipped at work. This in turn allows them to spend more time on patient care, educating students, etc. Relay’s dashboard also offers operational insights, like real-time location tracking and instant emergency alerts for a better peace of mind.
CS: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Schniepp: While we’re a newer competitor in the education and healthcare industries, we’re already making a huge difference. I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with some of the school and hospital administrators that are using Relay, and they’re seeing significant improvements across their properties when it comes to response time. Helping customers focus on what matters most is very meaningful to us, and we’re doing it. relaypro.com
