Roberta Aguirre
It is safe to go through airport security with a pacemaker, although there are several precautions you should take. Firstly, inform the screening officer that you have a pacemaker. Secondly, carry your Medical Device ID Card with you at all times. This card will let security personnel know that you have an implanted device. It is also recommended that you consult with your physician prior to flying.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you go through airport security with a pacemaker? | Yes, it is safe to go through airport security with a pacemaker. |
| What to do before going through airport security? | Carry your Medical Device ID Card at all times. |
| What to do during airport security? | Inform the TSA officer that you have a pacemaker. Do not be screened by a walk-through metal detector. |
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What You'll Learn
- Metal detectors and pacemakers: Metal detectors may set off alarms, but they are safe
- Medical Device ID Cards: Carry your ID card and show it to security staff
- Screening procedures: Inform screening officers about your pacemaker. Avoid walk-through metal detectors
- Airport security safety: Airport security is safe for pacemakers
- Travel advice: Consult your doctor before flying, and take extra medication
Metal detectors and pacemakers: Metal detectors may set off alarms, but they are safe
It is safe to travel with a pacemaker, but there are some precautions you should take when going through airport security.
Firstly, it is recommended that you carry your Medical Device ID Card with you at all times. This card will alert medical and security personnel that you have an implanted device. You should also inform the screening officer that you have a pacemaker. In some cases, you may be sent through a full-body scanner, which will not harm your pacemaker or change its settings. However, the metal parts of your pacemaker may set off metal detector alarms. Handheld metal detectors should not be held directly above your pacemaker.
While it is safe to pass through airport security with a pacemaker, it is recommended that you consult with your physician prior to flying. It is also important to note that travelling to high-altitude locations or very hot or cold climates may put extra strain on the heart, so it is advisable to check with your doctor before flying.
In summary, while metal detectors may set off alarms when you have a pacemaker, they are safe to use and will not interfere with your device. By following the recommended precautions and carrying the necessary documentation, you can safely navigate airport security with your pacemaker.
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Medical Device ID Cards: Carry your ID card and show it to security staff
It is safe to travel with a pacemaker, but there are a few precautions you should take. Firstly, consult with your doctor before flying, especially if you have recently had surgery or experienced an episode of ill health. Your doctor will advise you on any important considerations, such as the potential extra strain on your heart when travelling to high-altitude locations or very hot or cold climates.
Secondly, always carry your Medical Device ID Card with you and show it to security staff at the airport. This card identifies you as a patient with an implanted device and may explain that your device may trigger airport security alarms. After presenting your card, follow the security staff's directions. Depending on the airport, they may direct you through a full-body scanner. Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) full-body scanners will not harm your pacemaker or change its settings, but the metal parts of your pacemaker may set off metal detector alarms.
Handheld metal detectors should not be held directly above your pacemaker. Instead of walking through a metal detector, inform the TSA officer that you have a pacemaker or other internal medical device. Some airports have dedicated medical device lines, and you can also request a manual inspection if necessary.
In addition to your Medical Device ID Card, Boston Scientific offers a security card for international travel, printed in 13 languages. This card explains that your implanted device may trigger airport security alarms.
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Screening procedures: Inform screening officers about your pacemaker. Avoid walk-through metal detectors
If you have a pacemaker, you can still go through airport security, but there are a few extra precautions you should take. Firstly, always carry your Medical Device ID Card with you. This card identifies you as a patient with an implanted device and can be shown to airport security staff. It is also recommended that you consult with your physician before flying.
When you reach the security checkpoint, inform the screening officers that you have a pacemaker. Depending on the airport, you may be sent through an Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) full-body scanner, which will not harm your pacemaker or change its settings. However, the metal parts in your pacemaker may set off metal detector alarms, so you should avoid walk-through metal detectors. Handheld metal detectors should also not be held directly above your pacemaker.
If you are travelling internationally, Boston Scientific offers a security card that explains in 13 languages that your implanted device may trigger airport security alarms. To obtain this card, call 1-866-484-3268.
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Airport security safety: Airport security is safe for pacemakers
It is safe to go through airport security with a pacemaker. However, there are a few precautions that should be taken. Firstly, it is important to carry your Medical Device ID Card with you at all times and show this to the security staff at the first station. This identifies you as an implanted device patient. The staff may then send you through a full-body scanner, which will not harm your pacemaker or change its settings.
Although the Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) full-body scanner will not harm your pacemaker, the metal parts of the device may set off metal detector alarms. Therefore, you should not be screened by a walk-through metal detector. Handheld metal detectors should also not be held directly above your pacemaker. To avoid this, inform the TSA officer that you have a pacemaker or other internal medical device.
Some airports have dedicated medical device lines, which can be used instead of the regular security line. It is also important to consult with your physician prior to flying. Although having a pacemaker should not mean you can't fly, your doctor will be able to advise on any important things to keep in mind, such as travelling to high-altitude locations or very hot or cold climates, which may put extra strain on the heart.
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Travel advice: Consult your doctor before flying, and take extra medication
It is safe to travel with a pacemaker, but there are some precautions you should take. Firstly, always carry your Medical Device ID Card with you and show it to security staff at the first station you reach. This identifies you as an implanted device patient and means you won't have to walk through a metal detector, which could set off alarms due to the metal parts in your pacemaker. Instead, you may be sent through an Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) full-body scanner, which is safe to use and will not harm your pacemaker or change its settings. Some airports have dedicated medical device lines, so look out for these.
Before you fly, it's important to consult your doctor, especially if you've recently had surgery or experienced an episode of ill health, such as a heart attack. They can advise you on any important considerations, such as the potential extra strain on your heart when travelling to high-altitude locations or very hot or cold climates. If you take regular medication, it's a good idea to pack an extra supply in case of loss or separation from your luggage.
While travelling, it's important to take care of yourself, especially if you have a heart condition. Keep well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding too much alcohol, and make sure you get enough sleep. If you plan on doing any strenuous activities that you don't usually do, such as hiking, check with your doctor first to ensure it's safe.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, airport security is safe for people with pacemakers. Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) can facilitate screening and reduces the likelihood of a pat-down. However, you should not be screened by a walk-through metal detector if you have a pacemaker.
Inform the screening officer that you have a pacemaker and show them your Medical Device ID Card. Depending on the airport, the staff may send you through the security full-body scanner.
It might. Handheld metal detectors shouldn't be held directly above your pacemaker.
