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Lee Health is the First Hospital System in Southwest Florida to Implement the Evolv Weapons Detection System

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The advanced weapons detection screening system will increase security beginning at Lee Memorial Hospital

(Fort Myers, Fla. – July 10, 2023) --- The Public Safety team at Lee Memorial Hospital will begin using an advanced weapons detection system on Monday, June 10, 2023, to increase security and keep the community safe. Lee Health is the first hospital system in Southwest Florida to utilize the Evolv weapons detection device.

The Evolv system is well-known in the public safety sector for its ability to spot dangerous weapons and has been used around the country for major events, athletic venues, and amusement parks. The new touchless comprehensive detection system will provide additional safety and security for patients, visitors and hospital staff.

The state-of-the-art weapons screening solution is the leader in artificial intelligence-based weapons detection security. Evolv uses a combination of sensors, screens and cameras combined with an Artificial Intelligence-enabled software architecture to immediately distinguish between a gun and a smart phone. The device will first be installed at Lee Memorial Hospital’s emergency department entrance and eventually at all of Lee Health’s other emergency department access points.

As part of a system-wide initiative to maintain security and keep the community safe, the Evolv system will also eventually be installed at all other acute care facilities’ Emergency Department entrances, including Gulf Coast Medical Center, Cape Coral Hospital, HealthPark Medical Center, Golisano Children’s Hospital and Lee Health Coconut Point.

“We take the safety of staff, patients and visitors seriously and are committed to keeping our community safe,” said Armando Llechu, chief officer of hospital-based care. “We have to be prepared for anything. This is the most advanced weapons detection system available and it is going to deter violence and possibly save lives.”

Patients and visitors can walk through the weapons detection system without having to empty pockets, handbags or remove belts, preventing long lines from forming and allowing for a smoother entry into the hospital. The Evolv weapons detection system can screen up to 3,600 people per hour, which is 10 times faster than metal detectors.

The technology can tell the difference between threats and the everyday metal items people carry with them, such as umbrellas and glasses cases with metal hinges. The weapons screening device is designed to detect multiple firearms and moderately sized knives along with other weapons in real time. The system can alert security teams in an instant to neutralize a threat. The weapons detection device will operate and be monitored at all times.

Signs at building entrances will remind visitors to leave any weapons behind before entering the hospital. Detected illegal items will be confiscated and other items should be returned to a vehicle or discarded.

Last year, Evolv helped stop over 100,000 weapons from entering various types of venues. It has screened over 60 million people, second only to the TSA in the United States.

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