Lufthansa backs barrier-free emergency calling

Lufthansa is modernizing its elevators with the barrier-free emergency call system from Telegärtner Elektronik. According to the company, this two-sense emergency call solution is “unique worldwide” and will initially be used at Frankfurt Airport.

To make lifts barrier-free and relieve people with hearing and speech problems from their fear of lifts, Telegärtner Elektronik, based in Crailsheim (Germany) has launched a novel solution. According to the company, this can be installed easily and cheaply in every lift. Thanks to the new VNS (visual emergency call smartphone), passengers’ own smartphones can become an emergency call telephone.

As a first step, Lufthansa has ordered 60 VNS for its building at Frankfurt Airport. The installation work was successfully completed, meaning the system is now ready for use. "Lufthansa facilitates the ability of all passengers and employees with this solution to use lifts barrier- and carefree," emphasised Adrian Gollasch, Distribution Manager at Telegärtner Elektronik.

Influencer tests VNS:Deaf performer Cindy Klink tested Lufthansa's newly installed Visual Emergency Call System (VNS) at Frankfurt Airport. Find out more in the online article "Campaign with influencer Cindy Klink".

Works without app and cloud

The solution does not need any mobile communications networks, any apps or the cloud and is therefore suitable for every smartphone. Since mobile telephones normally cannot establish any connections to the outside, VNS employs another method. After triggering the emergency call, the people trapped can connect their smartphones via a QR code with the radio network of the system.

Photo: © Telegärtner Elektronik

A user interface then appears on the smartphone. Questions of the emergency call centre, such as "Do you need any help?" or "Do you need an ambulance?" can then simply be answered with "Yes" or "No".

According to Telegärtner Elektronik, structural changes like an additional display in the lift are unnecessary. This permits cheap, easy installation – even in existing lifts. There are no monthly costs or fees. No special hard- or software is needed for use on the part of the emergency call centre either.

Multilingual solution

VNS currently supports 29 languages. Consequently, the solution is suitable for public institutions or also hotels, congress centres, trade fairs and railway stations, explained Adrian Gollasch. The multilingual feature was another important factor in the airline’s decision.

"After all, there are a lot of international customers and employees of Lufthansa at the airport in Frankfurt, who if necessary can now communicate in their mother tongue." The staff in the respective emergency call control centre automatically receives a translation into German.

Further information & explanatory videos: tge-gruppe.de/vns