What is Ambulance Bay Weapons Screening System

Athena’s Ambulance Bay Weapons Screening System

For years, the hospital ambulance bay has been a major security "blind spot." While main lobbies often feature robust metal detectors and guards, the emergency entrance—where the most high-stakes, chaotic arrivals occur—has remained vulnerable.

The primary challenge? The stretcher itself. Traditional metal detectors and hand wands cannot distinguish between the massive amount of metal in a medical stretcher and a concealed weapon. Until now, there simply wasn't a reliable way to screen a patient in distress without delaying life-saving care.

The Solution: AI-Powered Millimeter Wave Technology

Athena Security has solved this industry-wide problem with the Ambulance Bay Concealed Weapons Screening System. Unlike standard magnetism-based detectors, this system utilizes Millimeter Wave (MWAVE) technology combined with proprietary AI to "see" through clothing and medical equipment to identify specific weapon shapes while ignoring the stretcher.

How the System Works

The hardware is designed for the rugged, fast-paced environment of an outdoor ambulance bay:

• MWAVE Scanner & Hydraulic Lift: The core sensors are mounted on a specialized hydraulic stand. This allows the scanner to be positioned at the optimal height for patient intake.

• AI Integration: An onboard AI computer analyzes the sensor data in real-time, differentiating between harmless medical equipment and potential threats like firearms or large knives.

• iPad Interface: The operator manages the entire process via an Apple iPad. This tablet serves as the "brain" for the security team, providing a visual readout of the scan.

The Screening Workflow

The process is designed to be seamless, adding only seconds to the intake timeline:

1. Arrival: As the ambulance pulls up to the bay, the patient on the stretcher is guided toward the MWAVE scanner.

2. The Scan: Personnel push the stretcher under or through the scanner at a normal walking pace. There is no need for the patient to stand or move.

3. Threat Identification: The iPad immediately displays a "heat map" or skeletal overlay showing exactly where a suspected weapon is located on the body. It even provides a visual representation of what the concealed item looks like.

2. Resolution: If a weapon is found, the operator follows hospital protocol to remove the item before the patient enters the facility.

Documentation and Accountability

Beyond just detection, the system provides a digital paper trail for hospital administration:

• Patient Data Entry: Operators can log patient details directly into the iPad.

• Property Receipts: The system can trigger a printed paper receipt. This allows security to document confiscated items and provide the patient or EMS with a claim check, ensuring the hospital remains compliant with property-handling policies.

Why It Matters

By securing the ambulance bay, hospitals are protecting their frontline heroes—the ER doctors and nurses who are most at risk during trauma arrivals. Athena’s system ensures that "Emergency" doesn't have to mean "Unsecured."

Would you like me to create a "Quick Start Guide" for operators on how to use the iPad interface for this specific system?