Project Overview
Columbia Engineering Group provided electrical engineering for the Eastern State Hospital Parking Lots Callbox System in Medical Lake, Washington. The project added 14 emergency callbox towers throughout the hospital campus.
Each tower operates independently using solar panels with battery backup and cellular communication. As a result, the callboxes do not require a connection to the State’s network.
Standalone Emergency Communication
The callbox system gives campus users a direct way to request help from parking and outdoor areas. When activated, each tower provides its location and enables two-way communication.
In addition, each tower follows a programmed call sequence. The system contacts designated phone numbers, including the campus switchboard, before calling 911 if no one responds.
Electrical Engineering Scope of Work
CEG designed the electrical and communication systems needed to support reliable standalone operation across all 14 callbox towers.
Emergency Callbox Network
The project added 14 emergency callbox towers throughout the Eastern State Hospital campus.
Solar & Battery Power
Solar panels energize each callbox tower, while battery backup supports continued standalone operation.
Cellular Communication
The towers communicate through cellular service rather than connecting to the State’s network.
Programmed Call Routing
The system contacts a series of designated phone numbers. If no one responds, the call sequence continues to 911.
Remote Monitoring & Diagnostics
The design includes a web portal for remote monitoring and system diagnostics across all 14 callbox towers.
Project Outcome
The Eastern State Hospital callbox project created a standalone emergency communication network across the campus. Solar power, battery backup, and cellular service allow the towers to operate without State network connections.
In addition, location reporting, two-way communication, programmed call routing, and remote diagnostics support emergency response and ongoing system oversight.
What Made This Project Stand Out
The project added emergency communication points throughout the Eastern State Hospital campus.
Solar power, battery backup, and cellular service allow each tower to operate independently.
The programmed call sequence contacts designated campus numbers before routing unanswered calls to 911.
A web portal provides remote monitoring and diagnostics for all 14 emergency callbox towers.