Pacemaker Club: what if

what if

by DMJ
2014-06-26 05:06:37
Batteries & Leads
1365 views
3 comments

Have been reading about possible electromagnetic (EMP) attack against the US could destroy all power grids sending us into the dark. No more surgeries to replace our batteries on our pacemakers. Wonder how long we could go without replacement if we had to.

3 Comments

EMP

by Lurch - 2014-06-26 06:06:35

I just had mine implanted, so I am guessing somewhere between 5 - 8 years.
However, knowing our society and how much we depend on electricity I would expect some corporation to make millions getting power back up and running!
Over the years I have seen entire communities wiped off the face of the earth through Hurricanes and they get power back within a few months at the outside.

Angry Sparrow

by DMJ - 2014-06-26 08:06:39

Are you saying you have decided to not replace your battery because you wish to no longer live? Since I'm 100% paced I realize my battery life will be lower than some. I may get a new BV pacemaker, yet not one with the ICD. I really don't like how hard it seems to get it turned off if you want to. I'm making sure to have all my paperwork in order so my family does not have to make any decisions they will feel guilty about.

For Crying Out Loud!

by PJinSC - 2014-07-04 01:07:27

Are you seriously worried about EMP? Then consider this: The only EMP capable of doing this is from a multi-megaton air burst nuclear bomb. Considering that destruction at ground zero is measured in hundreds of square miles, the EMP is just a by-product. If the EMP is strong enough to wipe out what's left of the electrical grid, it will also wipe out all electronic circuitry within the EMP zone, including pacemakers. What do you think you have in there? It's a little computer and radio receiver/transmitter. You won't need to worry about getting your battery changed. And by the way, there are already contingencies for restoring the grid, and it's not just one "corporation". It's all corporations and the government (EPRI, FERC and more) involved with operating the grid as it is now. I know, because I used to work with such plans before I retired.