What will happen?

First of all Merry Christmas to all!

Second of all...wanted to know what would happen if you did go through the security at an airport. Will it mess with the pacemaker? Will it cause any damages? Will it just deactivate?

Thank you all,
emt500april

3 Comments

airport security

by bowlrbob - 2009-12-25 02:12:20

Probably nothing would happen. But my EP told me it could possibly reset the Pacer to factory settings. I like many others have had special adjustments made to my PM and we want them on there. They are important to me. So getting a pat down is a precaution better safe than sorry.

What Will Happen

by J.B. - 2009-12-25 04:12:14

Bowlrbob gave good advice about better to be safe than sorry.

Now, in the event you get distracted and unconsciously walk through the scanner, exactly what would happen is probably nothing, If it did affect your pacemaker it would feel about like when the put the magnet over your pacemaker during a checkup. After you stepped out of the influence of the scanner, you pacemaker should return to normal operation in a minute or two and no harm will be done. The one thing you are not likely to have to be concerned about is the electromagnetic field from the scanner is changing any settings in your pacemaker.

Of course that big chunk of scrap metal in your body is almost a certainty to set off the alarm, but that will depend on how sensitive the scanner is set. So rather than gamble on having to strip down to your long johns before God and everybody, just show your pacemaker ID card, or tell them about your pacemaker and miss the fuss.

Don't do it!

by Angrevwilliams - 2009-12-25 11:12:15

I have always been told NOT to go through the airport metal detectors as it can reset your pacer....

Just tell them before you enter that you have a pacemaker (I am younger, so they always look at me and ask why..) they will have you step aside, and depending on your gender, a male or female will allow you to walk through a separate door, do a little pat down (check shoes, and pat you down) and you are free to go :) So take the extra 2 minutes and let them know, don't risk it!
Merry Christmas!

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