Airport Security Guidlines

December 15, 1998

Easy airport guidelines:

1) Do not go through the metal detecting " security gate " The alarms WILL go

off...big time!

2) Never let them use a manual (wand) metal scan across your body... it can

turn off most ICD units.

3) ALWAYS carry the (ICD company supplied) ID card with you. I find the

best solution is to hold up your open wallet showing that card as you approach

the gate, steer around it toward the security personnel and say, " Pacemaker...

please search me manually without the wand. " They will look at your card and

may pat you down.

It helps to act like you know what you are doing... as if it's the most

normal thing in the world and a matter of routine for you. People who approach

the gate acting nervous get " special " attention... something you don't need when

trying to catch a plane. <G>

======Funny story how I developed this procedure:

A few years ago, just after the OK City bombing, I went to the Saint Pete

Federal building on business at the Veterans Administration. I noticed security

had been beefed up since my last visit.

Without thinking, I walked through the metal detector... setting off a

screaming set of warning sirens and flashing lights.

One guard grabbed me and pinned me to a wall until another guard rushed

over to scan me with one of those wands.

As soon as I could grab my breath I screamed, " I have a debrillator

implant! " They all backed away quickly as though I was wired with a bomb.

With a frightened look, one guard with hand on his gun asked: " What the

hell's that? " sure that it was dangerous to get near me. In my periferal vision

I could see people heading for the doors.

I said, " A fancy kind of pacemaker that shocks me if I have a funky heart

beat.... just frisk me. " Things calmed down quickly.

I figured until EVERYONE in the world knows what an " ICD " is... it's much

simpler to use the word " pacemaker " which everyone understands.

I trust my experience helps you.

Duffey

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See the original message at list//?start=233

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