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Concealed weapons detection system at Providence Swedish

Published Date
Author Swedish Communications

We’ve introduced a new security system at Providence Swedish campuses. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions.

Will there be any personal information collected with artificial intelligence (AI) technology?  
The concealed weapons detection system (CWD) is powered by Evolv Technology. Evolv’s objective is to provide the best security without compromising privacy or convenience. The information captured is a standard picture, like one taken from a smartphone camera or captured by CCTV. If a potential threat is detected, the picture appears onscreen with a box highlighting where the threat is located to help security teams focus on that specific area.  
For clarity, Evolv does not collect, process, or use any personal identifiable information. The identity of any individual passing through an Evolv system will remain completely anonymous.  

Why are we installing CWD systems?  
We have heard the concerns about weapons entering our hospitals and the desire for metal detectors. Given some of the weaknesses of traditional metal detectors, we have explored more innovative ways to enhance security and found the CWD system would be the best fit.  While we know that no technology is 100% accurate, we believe through our extensive research that the CWD performed best among our options. 

What is the difference between a metal detector and a CWD system?  
The CWD system being installed is proven to operate faster than traditional metal detectors with its touchless free-flow experience. The CWD can screen up to 3,600 people per hour, eliminating any bottle necks at points of entry. Unlike older metal detectors, wands, and pat downs, the system can intelligently distinguish between threats and everyday items like a cellphone, coins, or keys. While we know that no technology is 100% accurate, we believe through our extensive research that the CWD performed best among our options. 

What personal items will we need to remove, if any? Can we walk through with our personal belongings?  
The CWD is meant to provide a quick, unobtrusive workflow with no stopping required. Caregivers, patients, or visitors may be asked to empty their pockets and/or allow security to search through their bag(s) or belongings for inspection. Visitors and employees can walk/wheel naturally side-by-side or in groups through lanes without pausing.

What if I have an implantable or wearable medical device? Is it safe to walk through? 
The CWD system is meant to screen all traffic at monitored points of entry. In keeping with U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidance on electronic article surveillance and other walk-through metal detectors, it is recommended that visitors and system operators with implantable or wearable medical devices consult their device manufacturer or physician for information relating to their own specific device. The system uses extremely low frequency radio waves in compliance with Institute of Electronic and Electrical Engineer's 2019 guidance for safe operation with the general public. A concept of operations document is currently in development to outline a process for bypass and alternate screening for anyone who has safety concerns.   

What if I don’t feel safe walking through the CWD system, is there an alternative?  
If someone doesn’t feel safe walking through the CWD system, there are a couple of alternatives:

  • Security can open the stanchions next to the unit and allow entry into our facility by using a handheld wand detection unit on that person.
  • Security can do a patient safety search following our Search Policy and standard practices.
  • A visual check of purses, bags, etc. and an outer clothing “back of the hand” pat down of the person may be performed – per security protocol.

What do I do if the alarm goes off and no security is around?  
Security team members are the only ones responsible for stopping or contacting someone who has set off a CWD system. If the CWD system goes off while they are away (e.g. attending to another emergency), their CWD tablet saves all alerts for the officer to review when they get back to their station and or tablet. It will provide a still shot of the person and a red box outlining where the potential weapon may be located on that person.  

Will there be more CWD systems installed besides the 8?  
At this time, we only have the (8) units installed. Additional locations and points of entry could be considered at a later date.  

About Providence Swedish

Providence Swedish has served the Puget Sound region since the first Providence hospital opened in Seattle in 1877 and the first Swedish hospital opened in 1910. The two organizations affiliated in 2012 and today comprise the largest health care delivery system in Western Washington, with 22,000 caregivers, eight hospitals and 244 clinics. A not-for-profit family of organizations, Providence Swedish provides more than $406 million in community benefit in the Puget Sound Region each year. The health system offers a comprehensive range of services and specialty and subspecialty care in a number of clinical areas, including cancer care, cardiovascular health, neurosciences, orthopedics, digestive health and women’s and children’s care.