Definition

Man Down (also called Fall Detection or Tilt Alert) uses accelerometer or gyroscope sensors in the radio to detect a sudden and sustained change from vertical to horizontal orientation — the physical signature of a fall. When detected, the radio initiates a countdown alert that the user can dismiss if they are conscious and mobile. If no response is received within the countdown window, the radio automatically transmits an emergency distress call with GPS coordinates to dispatch and designated responders. Man Down is distinct from Lone Worker protection — Lone Worker relies on periodic user check-ins; Man Down relies on physical motion detection and triggers automatically without user input. Many advanced Motorola Solutions radios support both features simultaneously.

Frequently Asked Questions

Man Down uses accelerometer and gyroscope sensors in the radio to detect a sudden transition to horizontal orientation — the physical signature of a fall. The radio initiates a countdown alert the user can dismiss if conscious. If no response is received, the radio automatically transmits an emergency alert with GPS location to dispatch.
Man Down detects a fall automatically through physical motion sensors — no user action required. Lone Worker requires the user to respond to periodic check-in prompts. Man Down triggers immediately after a detected fall; Lone Worker triggers after a defined period of inactivity. Both features address worker safety for isolated staff, and many Motorola radios support both simultaneously.
Man Down alert is available on select Motorola Solutions MOTOTRBO radios including the R7 series, which supports both Lone Worker and Man Down features. SEI advises on model compatibility and programs both features as part of deployment configuration.

Why It Matters

In high-risk environments — construction sites, industrial facilities, security patrols — the time between a fall or medical event and discovery by a colleague without an automated alert can be critically long. Man Down alert reduces that response window to seconds, potentially saving lives in situations where a conscious call for help is not possible.

How SEI Wireless Solutions Uses It

SEI configures Man Down alert for security, construction, and industrial clients whose personnel operate in environments with fall risk or medical risk while working alone or in areas not under constant supervision. The feature is programmed as part of SEI’s deployment configuration.