There’s been a dramatic uptick in workplace violence in recent years. Healthcare facilities such as hospitals are being hit hard. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that healthcare workers are five times more likely to experience violence than other occupations. In response, many healthcare workers are raising their voices, calling for stronger security protocols to better protect frontline staff from harm.
Many hospitals have traditional physical security systems in place to protect patients, staff, and sensitive areas while maintaining an open and welcoming environment. These typically span, perimeter security via fencing and gates, surveillance cameras around the building exterior; access control solutions such as badge-based or biometric access for staff to enter restricted areas like ICUs and pharmacies, visitor management systems to log and monitor visitors, interior video surveillance and monitoring, real-time location systems (RTLS) to track equipment and personnel, two-way radios for immediate communication among security staff, and emergency response tools such as panic buttons and automatic door locks to quickly secure areas during a threat.
But, in response to the sharp rise in shootings that take place in their facilities, many hospitals are adding yet another layer of security to the safety strategy – sophisticated AI-powered weapons detection systems at entry points. The benefits they provide, particularly in hospital settings, are empowering these facilities to take more proactive control of their security and safety operations.
For starters, they provide real-time threat detection by leveraging machine learning to analyze video and sensor data instantly. This allows weapons to be detected quickly before an incident escalates. And because AI-powered weapons detection systems learn and adapt continuously, they offer better accuracy than traditional metal detectors, reducing false alarms.
Time can often be of the essence in hospital settings, as incoming patients may need immediate care and attention. AI systems answer the call as they can screen multiple people simultaneously and discreetly, avoiding long lines and invasive checks. An attractive and flexible solution, AI detection systems can be easily
integrated with existing surveillance infrastructure and scaled across multiple locations.
NextGen is proud to work with many healthcare faciities to elevate their security and help mitigate the growing problem of workplace violence. We’re also proud to partner with Evolv Technology, a sophisticated security technology company that’s transforming threat and weapons detection to create safer experiences. In our next blog, we will detail how Evolv’s weapons detection technology is enhancing Emergency Department safety to protect healthcare workers and patients.