Episode 1: Ambulance Bay WDS
The recent Athena Security Live: Ask Me Anything (AMA) webinar, hosted by Chris Ciabarra, Co-founder and CTO of Athena Security, introduced the recently launched Ambulance Bay Weapons Detection System (WDS), the first solution of its kind built specifically for Ambulance Bay, one of the most overlooked vulnerabilities in the hospital.
Traditional weapons detection systems were never designed for emergency department environments where patients arrive on stretchers and care must move quickly. Existing systems often struggle because stretchers contain significant amounts of metal, creating constant false alarms and making accurate screening difficult.
The Athena Security AB-WDS was designed specifically to solve this problem.
How the System Works
Using advanced imaging radar technology, the system allows hospitals to screen patients while they remain on the stretcher. The scanner intelligently ignores the stretcher itself while detecting both metallic and non-metallic threats concealed underneath clothing.
The platform is operated through a single Apple iPad, where onboard AI analyzes scans in real time and highlights potential threats using a heat-map overlay so operators can quickly identify areas of concern.
Every screening also generates a digital record, including photo capture, confiscated item logs, operator attribution, and chain-of-custody documentation to support accountability and consistency.
Most importantly, the system was designed to improve safety without slowing down emergency care.
Session Q&A
How does the system work while a patient is on a stretcher?
The system uses an imaging wave scanner that ignores the metal of the stretcher. Staff simply move the patient underneath the scanner, where the system sees through clothing, detects concealed items, and displays alerts directly on the platform or iPad interface.
Does it expose patients or staff to radiation?
No. The system uses non-ionizing imaging waves. It is safe for pacemakers, implants, and medical devices. The waves stop at the skin and do not pass through the body.
How are alerts sent to staff?
Alerts appear directly within the Athena Security weapons detection application already used at hospital entryways. Notifications can also be pushed to cloud or on-premise systems, integrated into Visitor Management Systems (VMS), or sent directly to officers through text or email alerts.
Will it fit inside an existing ambulance bay?
Yes. The unit mounts directly to the wall under a roof or tent and is designed to fit within standard ambulance bay environments. During operation, the scanner lowers to within approximately 3 feet of the patient for proper screening and retracts up to 8 feet when not in use.
Is it waterproof?
The system is water-resistant and designed to operate under covered ambulance bay areas or inside the hospital. It is not intended for full exposure to outdoor weather conditions.
Can it support wheelchairs?
The current version is for gurneys only. A wheelchair-compatible version is already in development and will be released by July.
What is the installation timeline?
Standard deployment is approximately 12 weeks, with accelerated installation options available for organizations requiring faster implementation.
A Major Step Forward in Hospital Safety
Ambulance Bay WDS is designed specifically for the fast-moving, high-stress emergency department environment, and a major step forward in aligning safety, speed, and operational workflow.
At Athena Security, we are “On a Mission to Save Lives” by helping healthcare organizations take a more proactive and consistent approach to reducing risk and securing one of the hospital’s most critical entry points.
