LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Baptist Health is installing new weapons detection systems at emergency department entrances across its hospitals, part of a growing effort to improve safety for patients, visitors, and staff.
The technology, similar to tech currently in use at airports or large venues, uses artificial intelligence to scan for weapons without requiring people to stop or raise their arms. Hospital leaders say the systems are fast, noninvasive, and meant to prevent violence before it ever reaches a hospital floor.
"Considering everything that's going on in the world today, this was one of the areas that really stood out as an opportunity for us to ensure safety," said Jonathan Velez, president of Baptist Health Louisville.
Baptist Health is the latest in a wave of hospitals nationwide turning to enhanced security, as violence in emergency departments continues to rise.
The new system doesn't require visitors to remove personal items or open bags. They will pass through the detection area as normal, and the system will sound an alert if it detects a weapon. It's designed not to alert on everyday items like keys, phones and wallets.
"This is a technology that allows us to focus in and identify specific threats and items that we don't want to have in the healthcare setting,” said Brian Sallee, Baptist’s Director of Security. “Patients and visitors want to feel safe in these environments — and that’s our priority."
Baptist Health officials said the weapons detection system has been implemented at its ERs in Louisville, La Grange, Richmond and Hardin County.
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