{"id":47303,"date":"2017-06-21T11:17:13","date_gmt":"2017-06-21T15:17:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/asweetlife.org\/?p=47303"},"modified":"2017-06-21T11:17:13","modified_gmt":"2017-06-21T15:17:13","slug":"mitigating-airport-security-with-an-insulin-pump","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/asweetlife.org\/?p=47303","title":{"rendered":"Mitigating Airport Security With An Insulin Pump"},"content":{"rendered":"

Have you been through airport security with your insulin pump only to come into contact with an agent who has no idea what it is? I feel lucky anytime an agent recognizes what my insulin pump is, but even when they know it is related to diabetes, they still do not always understand how important it is, and that an error or malfunction of my pump could mean a medical emergency.<\/p>\n

I wear a Medtronic pump and the guidance<\/a> says, \u201cYou need to remove your insulin pump and CGM (sensor and transmitter) while going through an airport body scanner. If you do not wish to remove your devices, you may request an alternative pat-down screening process.\u201d To be honest, I have had so many arguments with airport agents that I have gone through the machine with my pump on, even though I know it\u2019s dangerous. And I\u2019ve heard stories from others, like Michael Aviad, whose Medtronic pump stopped working after airport security sent it through the scanner.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s why diabetes mom Rachel Humphrey\u2019s campaign around insulin pumps and airport security is so important.<\/p>\n

Twelve months ago Rachel Humphrey wrote an Open Letter<\/a> to Dubai Airport after she was held in an airport police room for two hours because of her son\u2019s insulin pump. Despite having all the correct documentation and information, the airport security insisted that the insulin pump, an Animas Vibe, go through the X-ray machine.<\/p>\n

A travel document<\/a> on the Animas website states clearly, \u201cYour pump should not go through the X-ray screening that is used for carry-on or checked luggage.\u201d Only after several hours and a visit to the Airport Medical Center where a doctor confirmed that the pump couldn\u2019t go through the machine, were they allowed to proceed. This experience and poor treatment led Rachel to launch a petition<\/a> and campaign to ensure a Standard Policy for Insulin Pumps at Airport Security.<\/p>\n

The petition, which is now closed, garnered support from over 5,000 people and some important developments have happened since it was launched in 2016.<\/p>\n

According to an interview with Humphrey in International Airport Review<\/a>, she received a response to her letter from Executive Vice President of Operations at Dubai Airport, Mr. Chris Garton. Mr. Garton said, \u201cYou will be pleased to learn that I met with the heads of Dubai Police security operations and Airport Medical Services yesterday to understand why our procedures were not followed on your return journey.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was agreed all would reinforce the established procedures with staff. The well-being and safety of our passengers is of paramount importance and we greatly appreciate you bringing this issue to our attention.\u201d<\/p>\n

Last December, Airports Council International\u00a0(ACI) showed their support for Humphrey\u2019s campaign. A recent campaign update from Humphrey noted that, \u201cThey published an article called \u2018Best practice for screening of insulin pumps\u2019 in their World Report which was sent to their 592 members operating 1,853 airports in 173 countries around the world\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Since then, Humphrey says, \u201cNina Brooks, Head of Security at ACI World has presented the issue to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a specialized UN agency,\u00a0and the member states of the Aviation Security Panel, which advises on global standards and recommended practices.\u201d ACI told Humphrey that updated guidance material will be included in the 10th edition of ICAO\u2019s Security Manual, which is expected to come out in September.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis guidance material will note that screeners should take into account specialized medical devices and offer alternate screening methods with equivalent security outcomes,\u201d explains Humphrey.<\/p>\n

\u201c[It will] not require the removal of a medical device required to monitor or manage a medical condition, and [it will] take into account documentation provided by the passenger from their practitioner and advice from equipment manufacturers regarding the sensitivity of devices to equipment such as full body scanners and X-ray machines.\u201d<\/p>\n

Humphrey said in a recent email to campaign supporters, \u201cI am continuing both the petition and my dialogue with the above named organisations to spread awareness and so that we can achieve our ultimate goal of all insulin pump users having a stress free and safe experience at airport security all around the world.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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