Weapon detection screening installed at U of A Hospital emergency department

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeNewsLocal News Weapon detection screening installed at U of A Hospital emergency department “This is about creating a safer environment for patients, families and our staff, while maintaining a welcoming and respectful experience for everyone" Author of the article: By Ramin Ostad Published Sep 02, 2026 Last updated 1 hour ago 3 minute read Join the conversation The University of Alberta Hospital emergency department has installed a weapons detection system at its' entrance on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026. All patients and visitors will be asked to go through the weapons detection system prior to entering the emergency department. The technology is similar to walk-through screening systems at concert or sports venues. Screen grab from Alberta Health Services video PHOTO BY DAVID BLOOM /Postmedia Article content Visitors, staff, and patients at the University of Alberta Hospital’s emergency department (ED) can feel safer now with the installation of a new weapon detection system. Article content All patients and visitors will now be asked to go through a weapons detection scanner prior to entering the ED, AHS said in a Wednesday news release. Anyone who’s been to a concert or sports event in recent years will be familiar with these types of scanners. Article content Article content Article content “Our patients like to know that they are safe when they’re in the emergency department,” said Ryan Cammidge, director of protective services in the Edmonton corridor. “They like to know that everyone has screened for a weapon. And that includes our vulnerable populations. (It’s reassuring) to be able to come into the waiting room and know that no one else in there potentially has a weapon.” Article content Headline News Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns. Sign Up By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Article content Cammidge says the system uses a combination of electromagnetic detection and AI to measure the size, density, and shape of an object a person is carrying to determine if it matches that of a prohibited item.  Article content Article content Cammidge notes that there are prohibited items that are not necessarily brought into the ED with bad intent. In those instances, the person is given the option to put it in their…