When you enter an emergency department at a Nova Scotia hospital in the near future, you will likely be screened by artificial intelligence (AI).
Dean Steinburg, the Director of Security for Nova Scotia Health tells our newsroom over the next few months they expect to put the technology in a lot of different places.
“We will start rolling it out in areas of priority, like our emergency departments. I expect that if all goes well, we should be able to roll this out in the coming months,” says Day.
What is it?
It is simply a system that you walk through when entering the hospital, that detects anything threatening.
Peter Evans, CEO of Xtract One Technologies tells us unlike a metal detector, it won’t pick up everyday things.
“The system has got purpose-built sensors and AI software such that if a person walks through with their cell phone, watch, keys …in general, it’s not going to alert,” says Evans.
“But if they do have a threat on them such as a firearm or knife, it will detect that alert and security can address that appropriately.”
Evans adds, it’s a very transparent, non-invasive experience for anyone walking into a venue, which he says would now be much safer.
A pilot project was tested in the Colchester East Hants Centre in Truro May 26 to 30.
Security issues
Metal detectors are being used in the emergency department at a couple of hospitals in HRM – the Dartmouth General and the QEII’s Halifax Infirmary.
It was part of implementing stronger security measures with safety a longtime issue in Nova Scotia hospitals, especially after a stabbing at the Infirmary in January 2024.
According to Nova Scotia Health the metal detectors are doing the job, but Steinburg says, the AI screening is better technology allowing for a “higher flow rate”.
“We can move people through quicker. It’s less invasive. It should be better for the end user. And, as sensitive as technology is these days, to be able to indicate whether something is a weapon or not,” says Steinburg.
He adds, it’s a great initiative and has not only the province but the nurses’ union behind it.
“We’re doing everything we can to make Nova Scotia Health a safe place for you to come when you need help and we don’t want anybody worried about their safety when they’re in our facilities.”
