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Hospital ERs Deploy AI Weapon Scanners
3 Sep
Summary
- AI scans for weapons using safe radiation and AI technology.
- Security measures increased after a stabbing incident at another hospital.
- Prohibited items found include knives, tools, and bear spray.
The University of Alberta Hospital (UAH) has implemented a new weapons screening system for patients and visitors entering its emergency department. This initiative, which began on Wednesday, September 3rd, 2026, aims to enhance safety following a stabbing incident at the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) in May 2026. The technology, provided by Evolv Technology, uses safe, non-ionizing radiation and artificial intelligence to detect items matching weapon profiles in its database.
Upon triggering the system, secondary screening will be performed. Prohibited items, most commonly knives, tools, and bear spray, can be voluntarily stored in lockers. Since RAH introduced similar screening, the number of secured prohibited items has significantly increased. These enhanced security measures, alongside a new one-bag and one-visitor policy implemented in May 2026, are part of broader efforts to combat rising workplace violence in healthcare settings across Canada.
