Baptist Health Hardin rolls out weapons detection technology

ELIZABETHTOWN, KY (July 25, 2025) –As part of its ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe and healing environment, Baptist Health Hardin has installed a weapons detection system at its emergency department entrance.

“Providing high-quality care in a safe environment is always our top priority,” said Robert Ramey, hospital president.  “This proactive step builds upon our safety measures, allowing staff to focus on clinical excellence and patient-centered care, while patients concentrate on healing and visitors support their loved ones.”

The new system is designed to operate seamlessly, requiring no removal of bags or personal items upon initial screening. Visitors and patients simply walk through the detection area, which identifies weapons while avoiding false detections of everyday items such as keys, phones and wallets.

Ramey added that safety is a shared responsibility and encouraged everyone to promptly report any suspicious activity to security or hospital staff when on the premises.

All weapons, including firearms and bladed items, are strictly prohibited at Baptist Health Hardin. Bags are subject to search as part of the hospital’s commitment to upholding a secure environment for patients, visitors and staff.

Patients and visitors are asked not to bring prohibited items to the hospital. It is also recommended that weapons and valuables not be left in plain sight in vehicles to help prevent theft.

For more information about emergency care at Baptist Health, visit
https://www.baptisthealth.com/care-services/types-of-care/emergency-care