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ICD and security systems
Hello, I was needed to go several times thru the security at the government buildings. And every time I told them that I have an ICD. And everytime the security personnel still used their stick (sorry donât know what would be a correct word) to check my body for metals. I told them that they shouldnât do it, but one guy said that they do it all the time. Does anyone know if itâs ok for security people to use the security stick on someone with ICD?
4 Comments
not ok
by Tracey_E - 2015-02-13 11:02:48
It's only ok below the waist, don't let it near your chest. The scanners are actually safer than the wands, the main reason to avoid them isn't safety but because we're likely to set it off. The wands are the same technology but more concentrated and can interfere with the device. Stand your ground and say no. I've found court houses are ok either letting me walk around or wanding below the waist. Museums and concerts usually wave me through. The only place that's ever given me a hard time was federal buildings in DC.
Conflicting answers
by Theknotguy - 2015-02-13 12:02:25
Medtronic is concerned about items being less than 6 inches from your PM. Have been through several security checkpoints where the wand was just waved about a foot away from my body. Per Medtronic guidelines that wasn't a problem.
We had a member on the forum who's PM was implanted in 2008. She was having problems with her PM setting off security devices. Mine was implanted in 2013 and I haven't had any problems. It seems the newer devices aren't giving us as many problems.
Had to go through (of all places) security checkpoint at the State Fair. State Trooper was insistent I go through one of the security devices I've been warned about. Told him if I had any problems he'd end up with an irate fair goer. Walked through, no problems. No bells, no effect on my PM. So I'm not as concerned and feel the warnings are more of overkill.
Went from USA to UK and had to go through several security checkpoints. No problems with either the full sized units or wands. Towards the end of our trip the security people were, "Yeah, yeah, you got a PM. Walk through the unit and quit bothering us."
While it's best to always be on your guard, I feel the newer PM's don't have as many problems with the security devices.
Hope you don't have any problems.
ICD and security systems
by Olena - 2015-02-13 12:02:46
Thanks TraceyE. I went to the court house several times, and one time they used their device all over me even when I told them that they shouldn't do it. They did all over the back, arm. And another time they wanded below the waist.
You know you're wired when...
Muggers want your ICD, not your wallet.
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uneducated folks with wands
by Tracey_E - 2015-02-13 01:02:16
I find it helpful to scare them. Politely, always with a smile, but I say "I am dependent on this. I pace every single beat and there is a chance that wand will turn it off so please do not let it near my chest." That usually has them waving me around and skipping the wand. Odds of a problem are small, but why take chances?