Considerations For Pacemakers And Air Travel
August 17, 2007 by Kendra James, RN
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
Follow your doctor’s advice about flying and about going through security with a cardiac pacemaker. You can request a discreet physical search.
Not the most uncommon thing in the world… a patient with a pacemaker is going on vacation via air flight. But there are some considerations that have to do with your pacemaker. You should be in touch with your physician to discuss the physical properties of your lil’ implanted machine! You should also follow your doctors advice on any suggestions of checking the equipment or having a physical before travel.
Passing through the metal detector will not harm you but you should avoid standing or leaning against the detector for long periods of time. You should also find out in advance if the specific airport permits “private” searches. The metal detector WILL go off so be prepared to provide your ID card to the security personnel.
It will be a small inconvenience but well worth it once you get to your final travel destination! And you have to remember, better safe than sorry for everyone involved. I would hate to think that someone could pass through security by simply saying that they have a “pacer”. Security, as well as yourself, has to be comfortable with the whole process.
