Jazmin Li
It is understandable to feel anxious or overwhelmed when travelling with a defibrillator, especially for the first time. However, advance planning and clear communication can make the airport security process smoother. 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.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you go through airport security with a defibrillator? | Yes, but it can be confusing. |
| What to do before going through airport security? | Carry your Medical Device ID Card and passport at all times. |
| What does the Medical Device ID Card do? | It identifies you as an implanted device patient. It also explains that the device can trigger alarms at airport security checkpoints and that strong magnets can affect the device's function. |
| What to do at airport security? | Show your Medical Device ID Card at the first security station and follow the security staff's directions. |
| What are the possible steps that the security staff might take? | Send you through a full-body scanner, use a hand-held security wand, or do a pat-down search. |
| Can the security arch harm the defibrillator? | No, but it may set off an alarm. |
| Can the hand-held security wand harm the defibrillator? | Yes, if it's held over the defibrillator for too long, it could temporarily affect its function. |
| Can you request a pat-down search? | Yes, you can request that it be performed in a private area out of public view. |
| Any other tips? | Stay hydrated at the airport and on the plane. Dehydration can increase your heart rate and lower your blood pressure, affecting your defibrillator. |
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What You'll Learn
Show your Medical Device ID Card
If you have a defibrillator, it is safe to travel, but you must take some precautions. Firstly, always carry your Medical Device ID Card with you at all times. This card is important as it identifies you as a pacemaker or defibrillator patient. It also explains, in multiple languages, that the device may trigger alarms at airport security checkpoints and that strong magnets can affect its function.
You should present your Medical Device ID Card at the first security station. After showing your card, follow the security staff's directions. Depending on the airport, the staff may use a hand-held security wand or send you through a full-body scanner. The security arch will not harm your device or change its settings, but your device may set off an alarm.
If you are uncomfortable with the idea of going through a scanner, you can request a pat-down search instead. This can be done in a private area out of public view.
You can obtain a Medical Device ID Card from the manufacturer of your device, such as Boston Scientific, or from your hospital. It is important to always carry this card with you, not just when travelling, as it provides critical information for medical and security personnel in case of an emergency.
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Request a pat-down search
If you have a defibrillator, you can request a pat-down search at airport security. Here is what you should know about requesting a pat-down search:
Requesting a Pat-Down Search
Firstly, it is important to carry your Medical Device ID Card with you at all times when travelling with a defibrillator. This card identifies you as a defibrillator patient and explains that the device may trigger alarms at security checkpoints. Show this card at the first security station and inform the TSA officer that you are requesting a pat-down search instead of passing through the security arch or scanner.
The Pat-Down Procedure
A pat-down search is a thorough procedure where a transportation security officer (TSO) will use their hands to feel for items that may be hidden on your body or under your clothes. The officer will be of the same gender as the passenger and will explain the procedure as they conduct the pat-down. The TSO will use the back of their hands for pat-downs over sensitive areas of the body, such as the breasts, groin, and buttocks. You may be required to adjust your clothing during the pat-down, and you can request that the search be performed in a private area if you prefer.
Alternative Screening Methods
It is important to note that even if you request a pat-down search, the TSA may still use alternative screening methods, such as a hand-held security wand or advanced imaging technology (AIT). The security wand contains a magnet, so if this is used, inform the officer that the search must be done quickly and that they should not hold the wand over your defibrillator. The AIT full-body scanner will show your device on the image but will not sound an alarm.
In summary, when travelling with a defibrillator, you can request a pat-down search at airport security by showing your Medical Device ID Card and informing the TSA officer of your request. Remember to follow the officer's instructions and be prepared for possible alternative screening methods.
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Stay hydrated
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 alert medical and security personnel that you have an implanted device in the event of an emergency. The card also explains that your defibrillator may trigger airport security alarms. It is recommended to present this card at the first security station, after which you should follow the staff's directions.
Staying hydrated is an important part of keeping your body healthy, especially when travelling. Dehydration can increase your heart rate and lower your blood pressure, which may affect your defibrillator. Here are some tips to ensure you stay hydrated when going through airport security and during your flight:
- Always carry a water bottle with you. This will allow you to stay hydrated on the go, and many airports now provide refill stations to reduce waste and encourage passengers to stay hydrated. For example, Heathrow Airport has water machines just after security and near the toilets.
- If you are unsure about whether there will be a refill station, consider using an insulated water bottle, which will keep your drink cool for longer.
- If you are flying with a budget carrier, refill your water bottle before boarding the plane.
- On other airlines, you can ask flight attendants to refill your water bottle during the flight, especially if you explain your heart situation.
Staying hydrated is important for everyone, but especially so for those with a defibrillator. By following these simple steps, you can ensure you stay hydrated and healthy during your travels.
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Avoid walk-through metal detectors
If you have a defibrillator, it is important to carry your Medical Device ID Card with you at all times. This card will let medical and security personnel know that you have an implanted device. When you reach the security station, present your Medical Device ID card. The card explains that your device may trigger alarms at airport security checkpoints and that strong magnets can affect the device's function.
After showing your card, follow the security staff's directions. If they ask you to go through a walk-through metal detector, inform them that you have an internal medical device. You should not be screened by a walk-through metal detector if you have an internal medical device such as a defibrillator. Instead, you may be sent through a full-body scanner, which will not harm your device or change its settings. However, your device may still set off an alarm. Alternatively, security staff may use a handheld security wand. If they do, tell them that the search must be done quickly and not to hold the wand over your defibrillator.
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Follow staff directions
It is understandable to feel anxious or overwhelmed when travelling with a defibrillator, especially for the first time. However, it is safe to travel with a subcutaneous or transvenous implantable defibrillator (S-ICD or TV-ICD) device, and many ICD patients fly to their vacation or business destinations.
To ensure a smooth process at airport security, it is important to carry your Medical Device ID Card with you at all times. This card identifies you as a pacemaker or defibrillator patient and explains, in 13 languages, that the device can trigger alarms at airport security checkpoints and that strong magnets can affect the device's function. Present your Medical Device ID Card at the first security station, along with your passport. After showing your card, follow the airport security staff's directions on what to do next.
Depending on the airport, the staff may take one of the following steps:
- Send you through a full-body scanner. The security arch will not harm your device or change the programmed settings, but your device may set off an alarm due to its metal parts.
- Use a hand-held security wand. If they use this method, inform them that the search must be done quickly and that they should not hold the wand over your defibrillator for too long, as it could temporarily affect your device.
- Perform a pat-down search. If you request or are chosen for this option, you can ask that it be performed in a private area out of public view by a same-sex security staff member.
In addition to following staff directions, it is important to consult with your physician before flying and to stay hydrated at the airport and on the plane, as dehydration can increase your heart rate and lower your blood pressure, affecting your defibrillator.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is safe to travel with a defibrillator as long as you carry your Medical Device ID Card and understand the necessary precautions.
This card identifies you as a defibrillator patient. It also explains that the device can trigger alarms at security checkpoints and that strong magnets can affect the device's function.
Present your Medical Device ID Card at the first security station. After that, follow the security staff's directions.
Depending on the airport, security staff may send you through a full-body scanner or use a hand-held security wand. You can also request a pat-down search in a private area.
