Of course, that’s easier said than done. Conventional weapon detection systems are often intimating and invasive, requiring individuals to be herded through imposing scanners or searched with metal-detecting wands. That would be hard to implement in a fast-moving medical environment, and the resultant stress might do more harm than good by triggering confrontations between staff and patients.

A more nuanced, considered solution is therefore necessary — one that is discreet and non-invasive so as not to provoke an adverse reaction, but forensic enough to detect even the smallest concealed weapons. By implementing new scanning technologies at key entry points, it’s possible to quietly identify weapons and empower healthcare workers and security teams to defuse situations quietly and reduce risk for everyone.


A holistic approach
The bottom line is that to keep hospitals safe, we’ll need a holistic approach that encompasses compassionate care for vulnerable patients; proper training and support for healthcare workers; and tech-forward security measures that promote safety without adding friction and stress to the hospital experience.

By implementing such strategies, hospitals can reduce the risk of violence, while improving health outcomes and upholding the dignity of all their patients. There’s no excuse for violence in our hospitals — and with a holistic approach to safety, it’s possible to build a secure environment for everyone. We shouldn’t settle for anything less.

About the author: Chris Ciabarra is the CTO and co-founder at Athena Security.

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