This informal CPD article ‘The role of communication systems in moments of threat: Responding to Martyn’s Law’ was provided by Katarzyna Lenczewska of Ambient System, a European producer and provider of modern PA/VA solutions for the dynamically developing security communication and audio industries.
In a moment of real danger, people are unlikely to analyse procedures. They react instinctively. They stop, follow others, panic, or make decisions that, from a safety perspective, are simply wrong. In such moments, the greatest problem is not the incident itself, but the lack of a clear signal telling people how to behave (1).
Martyn’s Law was created from exactly this awareness — that in a crisis, it is the communication system installed within a building that can bring order to a chaotic crowd (2).
A law born from real experience
Martyn’s Law is not an abstract piece of legislation or a set of formal requirements. Its origins lie in the tragedy at Manchester Arena in 2017, when a terrorist attack claimed the lives of 22 people (3). The subsequent inquiry revealed not only gaps in physical security, but also a lack of organisational preparedness and effective communication (4).
The law was named after Martyn Hett, one of the victims of the attack, following a long campaign led by his mother, Figen Murray, who called for a genuine change in how safety in public spaces is approached (2).
Why people panic
In dangerous situations, an information vacuum is quickly filled by instinctive behaviour. When no one explains what is happening or what actions should be taken, crowds begin to act on their own terms (1). This is when pressure builds, people move against the flow, and exits become blocked.
Martyn’s Law makes it clear that a venue’s responsibility is not only to respond to a threat, but also to actively guide people through a crisis — whether that means evacuation, remaining inside the building, or a temporary lockdown (2).
The voice that brings order
The law does not refer to sound systems in the everyday sense. It refers to the ability to deliver clear, unambiguous messages under conditions of stress, noise and limited perception. This is why voice communication systems designed specifically for emergency situations sit at the heart of Martyn’s Law requirements. These systems work alongside other safety measures such as staff training, evacuation procedures, and physical security to create comprehensive emergency preparedness.
Such systems must be reliable, continuously monitored, equipped with backup power supplies and designed to ensure speech intelligibility regardless of the acoustic conditions of the space. This is where the fundamental difference lies between a standard PA system and an SSEP solution compliant with EN 50849 and EN 54 certification requirements (5)(6).
Technology alone is not enough
The lessons learned from Manchester revealed another critical factor: even the best infrastructure will fail if people do not know how to use it (4). Staff who are forced to improvise messages under pressure are far more likely to make mistakes.
For this reason, Martyn’s Law places strong emphasis on organisational preparedness and training, not just on technology. In this context, programmes in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) are not an optional extra, but a foundation. They show how communication systems work in practice and how they support people in making decisions in extreme situations (2).
When the system takes responsibility
One of the key advantages of modern voice alarm systems is the use of pre-recorded messages. These remove pressure from staff at the most stressful moments and ensure consistency of communication. At the same time, live announcements allow responses to be adapted as the situation evolves. A calm, clear voice that cuts through noise and emotion often determines whether a situation is brought under control (1).
A new standard of responsibility
Martyn’s Law sets a new direction for thinking about public safety. It shows that protecting life does not end with barriers, cameras or written procedures. Increasingly, communication itself is becoming a core element of safety systems. Effective emergency response requires voice communication systems to work alongside comprehensive staff training and other safety measures.
Martyn’s Law is therefore not just another legal requirement. It is about understanding human behaviour, defining the responsibility of those who manage public spaces, and recognising the role of technology that, in critical moments, can take responsibility for human health and life (2).
We hope this article was helpful. For more information from Ambient System, please visit their CPD Member Directory page. Alternatively, you can go to the CPD Industry Hubs for more articles, courses and events relevant to your Continuing Professional Development requirements.
REFERENCES
(1) Manchester Arena Inquiry – Volume 2: Emergency Response
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/manchester-arena-inquiry-volume-2-emergency-response
(2) Martyn’s Law Factsheet – Home Office
https://homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk/2025/04/03/martyns-law-factsheet/
(3) Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 – GOV.UK
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-terrorism-protection-of-premises-act-2025
(4) Manchester Arena Inquiry Reports – GOV.UK
www.gov.uk/government/collections/manchester-arena-inquiry-reports
(5) EN 54 – Fire detection and fire alarm systems (Voice Alarm Systems)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EN_54
(6) BS EN 50849:2017 – Sound systems for emergency purposes
https://www.en-standard.eu/bs-en-50849-2017-sound-systems-for-emergency-purposes/
