Sachin Walls
Travelling with a pacemaker
If you have a pacemaker, it's natural to want to get back to your normal routine, including travelling. But you may be concerned about how your pacemaker will interact with airport security. Here's what you need to know to travel worry-free.
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What You'll Learn
Pacemakers may set off airport security alarms
If you have a pacemaker, it is important to be aware that it may set off airport security alarms. While it is generally safe to travel with a pacemaker, there are a few precautions that you should take. Firstly, make sure to carry your Medical Device ID Card or pacemaker card with you at all times. This card will let medical and security personnel know that you have an implanted device in case of an emergency. It is also recommended to have a translated version of the card when travelling internationally, as some countries may not accept cards in English.
When going through security, it is important to maintain a distance of at least 6 inches (15 centimetres) between the screening wand and your pacemaker. Handheld metal detectors should not be held directly above your pacemaker. In some cases, you may be able to bypass the body scanners altogether and submit to other security checks, such as a pat-down. However, this may vary depending on the airport and country you are travelling from. It is always a good idea to inform the staff at security that you have a pacemaker and show them your card. They will be used to dealing with passengers who have pacemakers and will be able to guide you through the appropriate security checks.
While there is no evidence that airport security body scanners interfere with pacemakers, some people may still have concerns. A study published in 2019 by the Heart Rhythm Society found that body scanners at airport security do not interfere with the functionality of pacemakers and defibrillators. The study analysed more than 1,000 scans and found no negative interference. However, it is important to note that the frequency of electromagnetic radiation used in some scanners may affect the programming of your pacemaker, which is usually checked by your doctor at an annual check-up.
Overall, while pacemakers may set off airport security alarms, it is safe to travel with them as long as you take the necessary precautions. Be sure to carry your device card with you, maintain a safe distance between the screening wand and your pacemaker, and inform security staff of your device.
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Carry your device identification/card
If you have a pacemaker, it's important to carry your device identification/card with you when travelling. This will help you show airport staff that you have an implanted device if the security alarm goes off. It is also useful in emergencies, as it lets medical personnel know about your condition.
The card contains essential information about your device and can be used to assist airport staff when passing through security checks. It is recommended to keep the card handy and easily accessible. Some companies, like Boston Scientific, offer a security card for international travel, which explains that your implanted device may trigger airport security alarms and is printed in multiple languages.
While it is safe to travel with a pacemaker, it is always a good idea to talk to your doctor and understand any necessary precautions. In addition to carrying your device card, it is advised to maintain a distance of at least 6 inches (15 centimetres) between the screening wand and your implanted device during security checks.
You can also contact your local cardiac centre, doctor, or the manufacturer of your device for further information specific to your implanted device. It is important to be aware that you may be in closer proximity to wireless technology on board an aircraft than on land.
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Avoid holding handheld metal detectors directly above pacemakers
If you have a pacemaker, it is important to carry your device identification/card so you can show airport staff. Handheld metal detectors should not be held directly above your pacemaker.
While airport security systems don't usually cause problems for pacemakers, the pacemaker's metal parts can set off metal detector alarms. All electrical equipment produces electromagnetic fields, which could potentially interfere with a pacemaker or other implanted devices. The energy emitted by these systems is around 100,000 times less than a mobile phone transmission. The frequency of the electromagnetic radiation used in terahertz or millimetre-wave scanners and backscatter X-ray scanners does not pass through the skin and is not known to interfere with pacemaker technology.
However, the Center for Devices and Radiological Health of the FDA has released a warning that the operation of certain medical devices, including pacemakers, may be affected by the electromagnetic fields produced by metal detectors. In the past 10 years, the FDA has received 44 adverse event reports where metal detectors appeared to interfere with the routine function of pacemakers. Similar events have also been reported in medical literature. The types of responses to the interference reported were shifts in pacing rate, alteration to programmed pacing therapy, loss of or near loss of consciousness, and chest pain.
Therefore, if scanning with a handheld metal detector is necessary, tell the security personnel that you have a pacemaker and request an alternative form of inspection, such as a pat-down. If they insist on using a handheld metal detector, ask them not to hold the wand near your device for longer than necessary.
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Body scanners do not interfere with pacemakers
If you have a pacemaker, you may be concerned about passing through body scanners at the airport. Rest assured, results from a 2019 study show that body scanners at airport security checkpoints do not interfere with the functionality of pacemakers and defibrillators.
The study, presented at the Heart Rhythm Society’s 40th Annual Scientific Sessions, analysed more than 1,000 scans and found no negative interference. The lead author, Carsten Lennerz, MD, MSci, German Heart Centre Munich, said that patients can now "travel worry-free knowing they can safely go through security checkpoints without the need for disclosing personal medical information".
However, it is still important to carry your Medical Device ID Card with you at all times. This will let medical and security personnel know that you have an implanted device in case of an emergency. You may also want to carry a security card for international travel, which explains that your implanted device may trigger airport security alarms and is printed in 13 languages.
While body scanners do not affect pacemakers, handheld metal detectors should not be held directly above your pacemaker. If you are travelling in a group, it is also worth noting that the energy emitted by body scanners is around 100,000 times less than a mobile phone transmission, so you do not need to worry about the phones of those around you interfering with your device.
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Pacemaker wearers can be checked with other security apparatus
If you have a pacemaker, it's important to carry your Medical Device ID Card with you at all times. This will let medical and security personnel know that you have an implanted device in the event of an emergency. It is also recommended to carry your registration card with your device details on it to assist airport staff when passing through security checks.
Although it is safe for pacemaker wearers to go through airport security, there are some precautions to be aware of. Firstly, handheld metal detectors should not be held directly above your pacemaker. Secondly, as with mobile phones, you should maintain a distance of 6 inches (15 centimetres) between the screening wand and the implanted device.
In some cases, it may be possible to bypass the body scanners at the airport and submit to other security checks. This can be done by showing your device identification card to airport staff and requesting an alternative security check. The staff at security will be used to dealing with pacemakers, so it is important to communicate your situation and ask for assistance if needed.
It is also a good idea to talk to your doctor before travelling to understand any specific risks or precautions related to your device and your overall health. Additionally, make sure to pack any necessary medications and keep yourself well-hydrated during your travels.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is safe to go through airport security with a pacemaker. However, you should carry your Medical Device ID Card and be aware of some precautions.
You should walk through metal detectors normally and not wait within the detection zone. Handheld metal detectors should not be held directly above your pacemaker. It is also important to maintain a distance of 6 inches (15 centimetres) between the screening wand and your pacemaker.
You should carry your Medical Device ID Card with you at all times. This will let medical and security personnel know that you have an implanted device. You may also need to show this card to airport staff if your pacemaker sets off the security alarm.
No, body scanners at airport security do not interfere with the functionality of pacemakers and defibrillators.
