How to go through airport security with a pacemaker/ICD?

[Sustainedvtach270]

Hello dear afib forum friends! I am about to fly to Brazil in a few days and I never know the best way to go through security with a pacemaker.Last summer, in Toronto I was scolded for walking through the metal detector.

They don't like it because it sets off metal detector alarms.

They prefer you to show your pacemaker card and use the hand-held security wand. However if the wand is held over your peacemaking for too long, the wand could temporary affect your pacemaker. Do we have the right to opt for the hand-pat search?

[BobD Volunteer]

I've not had to yet but told to always show my PM card and never go through the arch.

[Sustainedvtach270 in reply to BobD]

Hello Bob. I learned my lesson. In Toronto, they did not like me going through the arch!😬

[CDreamer]

I’ve had varied experiences - including the booth total scan which doesn’t affect pacemakers and the pat downs, I can’t ever remember having the wand though?

[Sustainedvtach270 in reply to CDreamer]

Hello CDreamer. I have had the wand. We just have to point out where is our pacemaker so that they don't keep their wand too long on that part

[CDreamer in reply to Sustainedvtach270]

Could be different policies in US.

[baba in reply to CDreamer]

I've had the wand in UK airports.. once operated buy the "energiser bunny", obviously a trainee, who kept coming back to the pacemaker site, in the end I had to tell her STOP. All other times no problems.

[Sustainedvtach270 in reply to baba]

Hello Baba. It is important to be aware of the wand's risk if it lingers...

[CDreamer]

PS - If my friends circle is anything to go by there will soon be more people with pacemakers in the world than not - maybe that just says more about my age these days………

[chesson]

Hi, I’ve flown dozens of times with a pacemaker. It’s no real sweat. When you approach the scanning frame look at the security agents and make a beating motion with your hand over your heart- they all seem to understand the meaning. They take you around the side of the of the scanner and do a very (and I mean « VERY «  ) thorough pat down. They usually finish with the wand. You almost always have to put your shoes through the baggage scanner. I’ve never shown the card, specially since mine is a scruffy piece of paper. It’s easier to show them your scar if they doubt you. The body scanner device is supposed to be safe for pacemakers and I’ve never had any problem going through one. I honestly believe there is no risk with modern pacemakers and airport scanners, but since the pacemaker will almost certainly set off the alarm, there is no sense in going through the scanner anyway since you’ll get an even more thorough pat down afterwards!

[Hidden in reply to chesson]

The Bristol Heart Institute now issues a smart credit card Pacemaker ID with all details … much better than the scruffy bits of paper that I had with the first two.

[Sustainedvtach270 in reply to chesson]

Thanks Chesson for your reassuring comment. My pacemaker card is like a credit card.

[Czech_Mate]

Security staff at Prague airport referred to it as "peace maker". 🤭

[Nannysue1]

Fairly new to the pacemaker but flew a few weeks ago. At Gatwick, I told them about the pacemaker and they took me to around the side of the machine, then from the front asked me to stand in it sideways with my hands up. I think they must have changed the mode for me . On the way back and at Dublin airport, just a pat down and the wand, which they kept well away from pacemaker.

[Sustainedvtach270 in reply to Nannysue1]

Hello Nannysue. Good to know they kept the wand away from the pacemaker.

[Hidden]

I’ve been travelling with a pacemaker since 2008 and when working, to such diverse countries as Russia, Argentina, the PRC , Mexico, the USA etc and never had an issue on production of my card - always had a pat down instead and the most thorough in the US… it made travelling more interesting. Often , in my experience, you get to bypass the queues (if you speak up earlier rather than wait until you get to the gate ) .

I’ve never had the wand waved at me and just before Christmas last year the security manager at Bristol Airport said I could no longer use what I call “ the dancing booth” as he had received notification that according to information received from the US this could also affect pacemakers …

[Sustainedvtach270 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks OldGrit for your reassuring comment. Travel is one of my passions, I do not want the pacemaker to change that! At some smaller airports, like Hilton Head island in South Carolina, I had to go through the scanner.

[Hidden in reply to Sustainedvtach270]

You “had” to go through ??!!! They would need a cattle prod for me 😂 They need to be educated….although I have heard it’s unlikely to cause a problem and not being scanned is about avoiding risk - I think it is an easy risk to avoid - except in Hilton Head island !

[Geoffa1]

Try doing the PM check with two total knee replacements. As I approach the xray dome of death I point at my heart and the both knees then watch with comic opera for the response!It depends on what the security staff have had for breakfast and how big their ego is what they do next.

When the wand goes off after a knee scan I always quip " don't worry I have a bone in my leg". The variety of responses can vary!!!!!

[Sustainedvtach270 in reply to Geoffa1]

Hello Geoffa. Great sens of humor!😀

[2learn]

not relevant in your case but for all women always ask for woman to do pat down.

[Barb1]

Each airport has different procedures. I am travelling California, Chile and Peru at the moment. Just keep on telling them and retelling them.

[Barb1 in reply to Barb1]

Yes and I have 2 hip replacements as well which really adds to the joy.

[Sustainedvtach270]

Hello Barb. You are right, each airport could be different. It is great to see fellow afibbers traveling the world.😀 Enjoy your trip!