RF Technologies’ Help Alert pendant reaches final 16 in Wisconsin contest

RF Technologies’ Help Alert Staff Protection Pendant advanced to the final 16 in the Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin contest on Oct. 1, with voting continuing through October. The bracket competition spotlights a workplace safety device already protecting 100,000 healthcare workers and used across multiple industries.

Why it matters: - Workplace violence remains a growing concern in hospitals, schools and other workplaces. - The Help Alert Staff Protection Pendant is designed to let employees discreetly request help during dangerous situations. - The device is already safeguarding 100,000 healthcare workers and is deployed nationwide across multiple industries.

What happened: - RF Technologies said its Help Alert Staff Protection Pendant advanced to the final 16 in the Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin contest on Oct. 1, 2026. - Thousands of votes were cast in the nomination round. - The pendant is now competing against 16 companies across Wisconsin. - Six of the 16 finalists represent the Milwaukee area. - Voting continues through October in a bracket-style competition. - The winner will be announced at WMC’s Business Day on Oct. 27.

The details: - The Help Alert pendant is a wearable panic button. - The device is the smallest long-range wearable panic button, according to RF Technologies. - The pendant operates independently of Wi-Fi. - The system provides indoor and outdoor coverage. - A single button press enables an employee to request assistance. - Users report clear visual and tactile two-way feedback, continuous tracking after activation, a lightweight design, comfortable wear and reliable coverage in parking lots. - Nurses, teachers and other employees are among the users reporting those benefits.

Between the lines: - The contest gives RF Technologies a public stage for a product tied to personal safety and emergency response. - The finalist list also underscores the strength of Wisconsin manufacturing, especially in the Milwaukee region. - The company is leaning on real-world adoption, not just product specs, to frame the pendant’s appeal.

What's next: - Public voting remains open throughout October on the Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin website. - The competition will narrow to a winner at WMC’s Business Day on Oct. 27. - RF Technologies is continuing to promote Help Alert as part of its broader life-safety product line for healthcare, senior living, education, hospitality, corporate and government markets.

The bottom line: - Help Alert’s advance turns a safety product into a statewide manufacturing contender, with October votes deciding whether it takes the Wisconsin title.