How to Trigger an Alert on a Bluetooth Panic Button (or Sidekick)

In this article, you will learn how to trigger an alert from a bluetooth panic button.

A Bluetooth Sidekick Panic Button must be paired to a smart device through the React Mobile Hospitality app. The device then can successfully fire an alert remotely, without having to unlock the device and locate the app. For more information, refer to the How to Pair a Bluetooth Panic Button to a Smart Device article for assistance.

Criteria Required to Fire an Alert

• In order for the Sidekick to fire an alert from the smart device, the two devices must be paired. An unregistered Sidekick not paired to any device will do nothing; if the button is pressed, it will flash purple one time, indicating it is not registered or paired to any device.
• The React Mobile Hospitality app must be up and running in the background of the smart device. If the app is swiped closed, a paired Sidekick will begin to flash green rapidly, indicating the connection to the device has been lost.
• The Sidekick and the smart device must be within Bluetooth range of each other, which is about 30 feet (10 meters). If the two devices are separated beyond Bluetooth range, the Sidekick will begin to flash green rapidly, indicating the connection to the device has been lost.
• Smart Device settings must be configured as outlined below:
  • Bluetooth: On.
  • Location Services: On Always.
  • Allow Notifications: Yes.

The Process of Triggering an Alert

• Press and hold the button in the center of the device for 3 seconds OR press it 3 times in rapid succession. 
• The LED light on the button will start flashing white as it connects to the device.
• When the alert is successfully initiated, the button will start flashing red, meaning there is an active alert ongoing.
• When a responder joins the alert, the button will start flashing red and blue, indicating that help is on the way.
• When a responder arrives at the alert location, the alert may be resolved through the React Mobile application or the Customer Portal. Once the alert has been resolved, the button with flash green for 3 seconds before returning to idle.

Note: For safety reasons, alerts cannot be resolved directly from the panic button.