Metal Detectors at USA Health Facilities

Why did USA Health decide to install metal detectors?

Implementing these safety measures is a proactive step and an industry best practice.

Where will metal detectors be placed, and when will they be used?

At USA Health Children's & Women's Hospital, metal detectors will be used at the main entrance 24/7. (The Children's & Women's Hospital Emergency Department entrance currently is closed as part of our renovations. When it re-opens, metal detectors will be used at the Emergency Department entrance 24/7 and at the main entrance during the lobby hours of 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.)

At USA Health University Hospital, metal detectors will be used at the Emergency Department entrance 24/7 and at the main entrance during the lobby hours of 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Who is required to pass through the metal detectors?

All visitors and patients entering the hospitals through these entrances must pass through the metal detectors.

What if I’m an employee? Do I have to go through the metal detectors?

No. Employees are not required to go through the metal detectors if their badge is present and visible.

Do I have to pass through the metal detectors if I did so earlier, then left and came back?

Yes. All visitors and patients must pass through the metal detectors each and every time they enter the buildings through the main lobby entrances or the Emergency Department entrances.

What if someone entering the hospitals has a medical emergency in progress?

Patients entering with obvious life-threatening emergencies will be allowed to bypass the metal detectors unchallenged. Unconscious, critically ill, or seriously injured patients need not be scanned.

Do patients arriving to the hospitals in an ambulance need to pass through the metal detectors?

Only emergency vehicles are permitted to enter through the ambulance entrances. Patients arriving by ambulance do not pass through detectors, but they are subject to being scanned with a metal-detector wand.

Do patients and visitors arriving to the Emergency Departments in a private vehicle have to pass through the metal detectors?

Yes. Patients and visitors entering through the Emergency Department entrances will be required to pass through the metal detectors unless a life-threatening medical emergency is in progress upon their arrival.

Could the metal detectors adversely affect my health?

Research has produced no information that would indicate our metal detectors or wands have any adverse effects on a person’s health in general. Research further indicates no adverse effects on medical implants or pregnancy. However, people with pacemakers or other medical issues may request to bypass the metal detectors and be scanned with a wand.

What if I have a permit to carry a firearm?

All USA Health facilities are firearm-free except for on-duty law enforcement and armed security personnel. Out-of-uniform law enforcement personnel will be required to provide their law enforcement credentials to bring their firearm into the hospital. If credentials cannot be provided, the firearm will not be allowed inside. All others with a firearm or weapon will be asked to return their firearm or weapon to their vehicle, even if they have a permit.

What if I pass through a metal detector, and it goes off?

People who activate a metal detector will be asked to empty their pockets of all metallic objects and will be instructed to re-enter the detector. The metal detector will show zones that indicate specific areas of the body where metal is present. A second activation will necessitate the officer to conduct a scan with a wand. Subsequent activations will be handled on a case-by-case basis. This may include being denied access.

What about people passing through the metal detectors in a wheelchair or people who need the assistance of a walker or cane?

People entering in a wheelchair or with the aid of a metallic walker or cane will be scanned with a wand.

Will bags be checked or scanned too?

Yes. All baggage, briefcases, purses, backpacks, sacks, baby carriers, patient gifts, etc., will be inspected for weapons by the assistant at the metal detection post. People declining searches of their items will not be allowed to bring the articles into the facility.

What happens if illegal items are found during inspection?

In the event of the discovery of drugs, drug paraphernalia, or other contraband, the security officer will contact our security command center immediately and request police assistance. Persons who are found to be in violation of state laws or city ordinances for weapon offenses are subject to criminal charges. All contraband items will be confiscated and placed into police evidence.

What happens if a firearm or weapon is found during inspection?

In the event of the discovery of a firearm or weapon during the inspection, the person will be allowed to take the firearm or weapon back to their vehicle.

Do children have to pass through the metal detectors?

Yes.

What if a child activates a metal detector?

The procedure is the same as that for adults and will take place in the presence of the parent/guardian/adult accompanying them. The child will be requested to empty their pockets and will be instructed to walk through the metal detector again. Subsequent activations will require the security officer to conduct a scan using a wand.