Panic button guide

Fixed, fob or wristband - which panic button do you need?

Also known as Panic Attack Buttons (PABs), these can be added to an existing AMCO monitored alarm. This guide walks through the three form factors and which situations each one suits best - then points you to the fuller page for your use case.

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Start here

What situation are you protecting against?

Panic buttons cover four common situations. Find yours below for the page with the full detail.

Personal attack or assault

Facing the risk of a physical confrontation - at a till point, reception desk, or anywhere else danger could arise face to face.

See our personal attack alarm range

Medical emergency

A fall, collapse or sudden health emergency where getting help quickly matters most.

See our personal attack alarm range

Vulnerable-person support

Supporting an elderly or frail individual who needs a constant, reliable way to call for help.

See our alarms for elderly people

Lone-worker protection

Staff working alone in a shop, pub or restaurant, with a genuine risk during quiet or closing hours.

See our lone-worker system

Form factors

Three types of panic button

Whichever situation applies, the button itself comes in one of three physical forms. Here's how to think about which one fits.

Fixed button

Best for a known, fixed danger point

Installed permanently at a specific location in the property - for example near a front door, or behind a retail counter. Ideal when the risk is tied to one particular spot rather than moving around with a person.

Wall or desk mountedAlways in the same placeGood for till points & entrances

Mobile fob

Best for high-risk situations, carried at all times

A small, handheld device that stays with the user wherever they go in the property. Well suited to higher-risk situations, and to elderly or medically vulnerable individuals who need to be able to call for help no matter which room they're in.

Handheld & portableWorks throughout the propertyGood for high-risk cover

Wristband

Best for elderly or frail individuals at risk of a fall

Worn on the wrist rather than carried, so it's still accessible even if the person can't reach for a fob - for instance after a fall. A practical, low-effort option for elderly or frail users.

Worn on the bodyStays accessible after a fallGood for elderly & frail users

Ready for the full picture?

Each of these covers the complete hardware range and monitoring detail for its situation.

Personal attack or medical?See our personal attack alarm range Protecting lone workers?See our LiveTalk lone-worker system Supporting someone elderly?See our alarms for elderly people

Not sure which panic button suits your situation?

Talk to the AMCO team - no pushy sales, just honest advice from a family-run UK security company.

Get advice 0800 13 03 999

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

A Panic Attack Button, or PAB, is an emergency button that can be added to an existing AMCO monitored alarm. Pressing it alerts our 24/7 monitoring team directly, so help can be arranged without the user needing to make a phone call.

In most cases, yes - a Panic Attack Button is designed to be added to an existing AMCO monitored alarm rather than requiring a whole new system.

For elderly or frail individuals, a wristband is usually the most practical choice, since it stays on the body and remains accessible even after a fall. A mobile fob is a good alternative where constant accessibility around the property matters most. See our dedicated page on alarms for elderly people for the full picture.

For staff working alone in a shop, pub or restaurant, a fixed button at the till or counter, or a mobile fob carried by staff, both work well depending on the layout. Our lone-worker system page covers this in detail.

Talk to our team

Add a panic button to your monitored alarm

Fixed button, mobile fob or wristband - we'll help you pick the right form factor and monitoring for your situation, no obligation.

Get a free quote 0800 13 03 999

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