Sachin Walls
It is safe to travel with a defibrillator, but it's important to be aware that airport security may set it off. People with defibrillators are advised to carry a Medical Device ID Card at all times, which will let security personnel know that they have an implanted device. This card also explains that the device may trigger alarms at security checkpoints. Depending on the airport, security staff may use a full-body scanner, a hand-held security wand, or conduct a pat-down search. It's important to inform security officers about the implanted device and follow their directions. While it is safe to travel with a defibrillator, it is recommended to consult a doctor before flying to understand any necessary precautions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | It is generally safe to travel with a defibrillator as long as you talk to your doctor, carry your Medical Device ID Card, and understand some precautions. |
| Metal detectors | Metal detectors may be set off by the metal parts in defibrillators. |
| Full-body scanners | Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) full-body scanners will not harm your defibrillator or change its settings, but they may set off an alarm. |
| Hand-held security wands | If held over your device for too long, security wands could temporarily affect your defibrillator. |
| Pat-down searches | You may request a pat-down search, which can be conducted in a private area away from public view. |
| Medical Device ID Card | It is important to carry your Medical Device ID Card at all times when travelling. This card identifies you as a patient with an implanted device and can be shown to security staff. |
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What You'll Learn
Metal detectors and defibrillators
If you have a defibrillator, it's safe to travel as long as you take some precautions. It's important to carry your Medical Device ID Card with you at all times. This card identifies you as a patient with an implanted device and explains that the device can trigger alarms at airport security checkpoints. It also informs security staff that strong magnets can affect the device's function.
Metal detectors at airport security may set off your defibrillator because it contains metal parts. Depending on the airport security system, security staff may use a full-body scanner, a hand-held security wand, or conduct a pat-down search.
If you are sent through a full-body scanner, the Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) will show your device on the image, but it will not sound an alarm and will not harm your device.
If a hand-held security wand must be used, inform the security officer that you have an implanted device, as the wand contains a magnet. Request that the search be done quickly and that the wand not be held over your device for too long, as it could temporarily affect your defibrillator.
If you would prefer a pat-down search, you can request that it be performed in a private area away from public view.
It is recommended that you consult with your physician before flying and follow the directions of security staff at the airport.
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Medical Device ID Cards
It is safe to travel with a defibrillator as long as you carry your Medical Device ID Card and understand certain precautions. The card identifies you as a patient with an implanted device and explains, in 13 languages, that the device can trigger alarms at airport security checkpoints. It is important to carry this card with you at all times, as in an emergency, it will inform medical and security personnel that you have an implanted device.
After presenting your Medical Device ID Card at the first security station, follow the staff's directions. Depending on the airport's security system, you may be asked to undergo one of the following security measures:
- Full-body scanner: Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) full-body scanners will not harm your device or change its settings. However, the metal parts in your defibrillator may set off metal detector alarms.
- Hand-held security wand: If a wand must be used, inform the security officer that you have an implanted device. Request that the security officer moves the wand quickly over your body and avoids holding it over your implanted area.
- Pat-down search: You can request a hand-pat search to be performed in a private area away from public view.
It is recommended to consult with your physician before flying and to be aware of any risks associated with your specific device. While it is generally safe to travel with a defibrillator, there may be specific considerations or instructions provided by your healthcare team.
Additionally, some airports have dedicated medical device lines to facilitate screening for passengers with implanted devices. It is always a good idea to plan ahead and communicate clearly with security staff to ensure a smooth process when travelling with a defibrillator.
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Pat-down searches
Pat-downs can be very invasive, and there are concerns about unwarranted government interference, privacy, and racial profiling. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has strict limitations and criteria for its officers, who are educated to maintain professionalism. For instance, they are required to use the back of their hand to search sensitive areas such as the crotch or upper chest.
Passengers have rights during pat-down searches. For instance, children under 12 should receive a modified, less intrusive pat-down under parental observation. Transgender individuals should be searched by officers of the gender they present as, and they should not be subjected to personal questions about their gender. Passengers can also request that a pat-down be limited to a specific area, such as a hairpiece, or perform the pat-down themselves with a hand swipe for chemical residue.
If a passenger believes they have been subjected to an improper pat-down search, they should alert a screening supervisor immediately and fill out a feedback form.
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Hand-held security wands
If you have an internal medical device, it is important to carry your Medical Device ID Card with you at all times. This card identifies you as a patient with an implanted device and can be shown at the first security station. The card also explains, in 13 languages, that the device can trigger alarms at airport security checkpoints and that strong magnets can affect the device's function.
If a hand-held security wand must be used, inform the security officer that you have an implanted device. Because the wand contains a magnet, request that the search be done quickly and that the wand is not held over your device for too long. A hand-pat search can also be requested and can be conducted in a private area away from public view.
The Garrett SuperWand is one example of a hand-held security wand used at airports. It has a 360-degree detection field and dual alarm modes, with audio and vibration alerts. It is highly sensitive and can detect both non-ferrous and ferrous metals. The SuperWand is known for its reliability and precision in metal detection and is widely used by security professionals.
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Full-body scanners
If you have a defibrillator, it is important to carry your Medical Device ID Card with you at all times when travelling. This card will inform security staff that you have an implanted device, and they may then choose to use a full-body scanner to screen you. The AIT full-body scanner will not harm your defibrillator or change its settings. However, the metal parts in your device may cause the scanner's alarm to sound.
If you are selected for screening by a full-body scanner, it is important to inform the security officer that you have an implanted defibrillator. This is because, while the scanner will not affect your device, the wand that some airports use to perform additional screening could temporarily affect your defibrillator if held over the device for too long.
It is safe to travel with a subcutaneous or transvenous implantable defibrillator (S-ICD or TV-ICD) as long as you carry your Medical Device ID Card and understand certain precautions. These include consulting with your doctor before travelling and being aware that strong magnets can affect the function of your device.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, airport security systems may cause your defibrillator to set off an alarm due to the metal parts in the device.
It is recommended that you carry your Medical Device ID Card with you at all times when travelling. This card identifies you as a patient with an implanted device. After showing your card, follow the security staff's directions.
Depending on the airport, the security staff may use a full-body scanner, a hand-held security wand, or perform a pat-down search.
Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) full-body scanners will not harm your defibrillator or change its settings. However, hand-held security wands could temporarily affect your device if held over it for too long, so inform security staff if you have an implanted defibrillator.
