Two SSM Health facilities in Illinois have installed an artificial intelligence-based weapons detection system in their emergency room entrances, WPSD Local reported Nov. 29.
According to the St. Louis-based health system, the Evolv Express systems can detect concealed weapons and other threats with digital sensors and artificial intelligence 10 times faster than a traditional metal detector.
The system, which can also screen up to 3,600 people every hour, was installed at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mount Vernon and SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital in Centralia.
"At SSM Health we take the safety and security of our staff, patients and visitors very seriously. The installation of these weapons detection systems are additional steps we are taking in an effort to increase safety at our hospitals," said Ray Gilbert, regional security manager of SSM Health Illinois.