Defibrillator and getting through security

Brie

The OH had a defib implanted a couple of years back.  Never had any issues with it and fortunately it's never needed to do its duty.  

Next week for the first time in a decade at least we're flying from Heathrow.  I've been told he can't got through security as normal as the scanner thingme will set things off. 

Does one simply ask at the time?  There's an obvious scar that can be shown and the defib is obvious under the scar.  

Is anything else required to get him through with a minimum of fuss??  Likely to just be taken to a side room to loosen his tie and unbutton his shirt?????

jonathon

Before I go through the body scanner I just tap my ICD to let them know, and I just get tapped down or they use a hand wand device, never had a problem never been questioned 
Wife wasnt so keen when I got tapped down by a young Japanese girl in Tokyo

born_again

Could you get the notes off NHS app or via doctors stating one has been fitted?

eskbanker

Brie said:

The OH had a defib implanted a couple of years back.  Never had any issues with it and fortunately it's never needed to do its duty.  

Next week for the first time in a decade at least we're flying from Heathrow.  I've been told he can't got through security as normal as the scanner thingme will set things off. 

Does one simply ask at the time?  There's an obvious scar that can be shown and the defib is obvious under the scar.  

Is anything else required to get him through with a minimum of fuss??  Likely to just be taken to a side room to loosen his tie and unbutton his shirt?????

Are you suggesting that there's an issue at Heathrow in particular or hasn't he flown at all since fitment?

Am I safe to walk through airport security scanners?

Scanning devices and metal detectors should not cause a problem. If you have a pacemaker or an ICD, you should take your device identification card with you and tell the airport staff you have a device inserted.  
If you have an ICD, you can ask for a hand search instead. If a hand-held metal detector is used, it should not be placed directly over your device.

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) can provide you with further advice and information on the safety aspects of airport security systems when you have a pacemaker or an ICD.

https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/support/practical-support/holidays-and-travel

OutdoorQueen

Has your OH been given a card which shows some details?  I think some are supplied with details in multiple languages which is carried in a wallet (take a couple of copies).  If not, the hospital should be able to provide a letter that you can take. 

Yes, I would alert someone as soon as you get to the security area.  They will normally take to one side or a separate room.   They might do a pat down / manual search on outside of clothes. 

You might get separated for a short time as they will want to ensure everyone else goes through the detectors.   

Misslayed

Lots of quality information and experience at @pumpingmarvellous.com. There’s also a closed facebook group for folk with ICDs, lots of very supportive chat about experience of travel amongst other things. And he will have been given a credit card size Patient  Identification Card when his ICD was fitted - might have been forgotten if it’s not been required up to now?

Jackie47

Not a defibrillator but a pacemaker here… I just let them know by telling them when I get near the front of the queue and am usually frisked with the wand or hands.  No problem at all.  I do have my card in my pocket that I was given at implant but only needed it once in 5 years of flying 2-3 times a year.

Brie

eskbanker said:

Are you suggesting that there's an issue at Heathrow in particular or hasn't he flown at all since fitment?l

OutdoorQueen said:

You might get separated for a short time as they will want to ensure everyone else goes through the detectors.   

Thanks to all for the reassurance.  

Esk - he hasn't flown since it was fitted hence the concern.  

OQ - well I can't go through the scanner either, not properly.  They always send me through, I always set it off and I always say it's my bionic knee.

Brie

We got through security ok - and they insisted that the scanners were perfectly safe with implants.  Granted they were different than what I went through last September so obviously had an upgrade.  So he waltzed through and I got stopped due to my bionic knee....been happening every time since this was fitted about 7 years back.

jimi_man

At LHR (T5 at least) they’ve changed over to the new ones, ironically apart from FastTrack.