Safety and weapons screening at Ballad Health

Your safety comes first

When you come to Ballad Health, we want you to feel welcome, prepared and safe. Weapons detection systems are one of the many safety measures we use to help protect our patients, visitors and team members.

Weapons detection systems are located at entrances to our hospitals to prevent firearms, knives and other weapons from entering our facilities. When you arrive, you'll walk through the screening system before entering the facility.

You may have seen similar screening systems at other hospitals, public buildings or large venues. At Ballad Health, the process is designed to be simple and efficient. In most cases, you can walk through with your everyday belongings without emptying your pockets or opening your bags. A Ballad Health security officer will be available to guide you through the process and assist if additional screening is needed.

What to know about weapons screening

Simple steps to help make your arrival and screening easier

Before your arrival

Leave firearms, knives and other weapons at home. Make sure to leave additional travel time for screening.

During screening

Most everyday items can stay with you. If the system alerts, a security officer will help and guide you through next steps.

If you need assistance

If you use a wheelchair, walker or other mobility device, please let the security officer know so they can assist you.

What to expect from weapons detection screening

Before you enter, you'll see signs outside and around the facility reminding patients and visitors that weapons are not permitted. Once you enter an area where weapons screening is taking place, follow the directions of our security officers and walk through the screening system.

Most everyday items, including pocket change, belts, watches and most cellphones, generally won't activate the system. If the system does identify an item, a security officer will ask you to step aside and identify or remove an item. You will be asked to walk through the system again.

If the system continues to alert, the security officer may use a handheld metal detector to determine what is causing the alert. Bags and other belongings may also be inspected when necessary.

Screening procedures may look slightly different depending on the entrance or hospital, but everyone entering an area where screening is required must complete the process.

What if I have a carry permit?

Having a permit to carry a firearm does not allow a visitor to bring a firearm into a Ballad Health facility. Authorized law enforcement officers may carry firearms when performing official duties.

Screening for those with medical or mobility needs

Weapons screening should not prevent you from getting the care you need or seeing a loved one.

Medical devices are not expected to activate our weapons detection systems. If you have an implanted medical device, prosthetic or other medical equipment and have questions or concerns about the screening, please one of our security officers or team members know.

Patients and visitors using wheelchairs, walkers or other mobility equipment may be screened using a handheld metal detector when needed. Follow the security officer's instructions and let them know if you need any assistance.

Emergency care and weapons screening

Weapons screening also applies to emergency departments, but your immediate medical needs come first. Security screening will not interrupt active emergency medical care.

If you arrive for emergency care with a weapon and aren't able to return it to your vehicle, Ballad Health security may secure and store the weapon according to our established procedures. A security officer will provide instructions on what to do.

Frequently asked questions about weapons screening

Weapons detection screening adds another safety measure to help protect everyone who comes to Ballad Health for care, visits or work.

Generally, items can stay in pockets and bags unless they trigger an alarm.

You can carry your bag through the screening area. If the system identifies an item that requires additional screening, a security officer may inspect your bag to determine what caused the alert.

Having a carry permit doesn't allow you to bring a firearm into any Ballad Health facility. Firearms are not permitted in any of our locations.

If an item triggers an alarm, you'll place that item aside and walk through the system again. If alternate screening is needed, the security officer will use a metal-detecting wand to identify the source and determine whether additional screening is needed.

If you arrive with a prohibited item, follow the security officer's instructions. You may be asked to return the item to your vehicle.

For patients receiving emergency medical care who cannot return a weapon to their vehicle, Ballad Health security may secure the weapon until the visit is completed.

Questions when you arrive?

If you have further questions or need help with the screening process, ask a Ballad Health team member or security officer. They can explain our procedures and help you complete screening safely.