Medical devices & metal detectors

[kidneymomma]

my son is g tube fed and will need a g tube feed while at the park. He also has high blood pressure and we take his BP with a cuff and Doppler. How does the CM handle medical devices at the medical detectors? Do I need anything from his doctor?

 

[Starwind]

As of when we went earlier this month, there are only two metal detectors and the people being randomly sent to them are those without bags.

Presumably your medical items will be in a bag(s).

I carried epipens, asthma meds, and a portable nebulizer in my park bag. They are now opening zippers, including inside zippers, at the bag check. (well, you have to open all the zippers and hand it to the security person...).

My solution was to put the medical items into clear bags so that bag could be pulled out if needed and the contents readily visible without having to open the clear bag.

I used both Ziploc bags and Flanabags. Worked very very well. And protected my medical items from being manhandled unnecessarily.

Nothing should be needed from the doctor -- if you are asked just explain the items are medical supplies needed for the visit. To be honest, I think it is unlikely you will be asked what they are.

SW

 

[kidneymomma]

Yes his feeding pump is in a modified backpack especially for the pump that hangs easily on the stroller or in the car; and has extra pockets for his extension, medications, etc. I have a zipper bag that I normally put his blood pressure equipment in but I can easily put in a clear zip loc bag for our trip. I know they check bags and I just didn't want to hold up the lines explaining what all my stuff was. This is the first time going with our special needs son.

 

[gap2368]

I go with a lot of medical equipment and most no one has ever seen no cm have ever questioned any of it like PP said there are 2 metal detectors and people both with and with out are randomly selected to go through the person is I think the bag get another look through I would not be too worried

 

[Starwind]

Yes his feeding pump is in a modified backpack especially for the pump that hangs easily on the stroller or in the car; and has extra pockets for his extension, medications, etc. I have a zipper bag that I normally put his blood pressure equipment in but I can easily put in a clear zip loc bag for our trip. I know they check bags and I just didn't want to hold up the lines explaining what all my stuff was. This is the first time going with our special needs son.

At WDW I have never had to explain what my medical stuff is or even that it is medical stuff (though it should be pretty obvious it is). YMMV. (at airport security I have to explain -- keep it short and simple: e.g. "medical liquids for my nebulizer"; if they need more info they can ask more questions and I will answer.)

I long ago got over holding up lines. I take the time needed and if the people behind me don't like it, that is their problem, NOT mine.

For example, it takes me ~10-20 minutes to get through airport security (not counting line wait time) because I usually will set off the metal detector and have to be patted down + they have to swab my medical liquids and sometimes have to search a bag to find something they think looks weird (e.g. last time it was to find the four AAA batteries I had together in a plastic carrier (?!?) ). The people who were behind me are long done and gone by the time I get to leave security.

At WDW, I prepare for the bag check by packing my bag(s) in a way that facilitates the check. That includes the clear bag(s) to protect and make checking the medical things easier. Likewise, instead of having lots of little loose things, I make use of small bags to aggregate things -- things are less likely to fall out and go missing, and there is no pawing through all the stuff. Lots of people don't prepare at all, and quite frankly they usually take longer than I do to get through.

SW

 

[kidneymomma]

At WDW I have never had to explain what my medical stuff is or even that it is medical stuff (though it should be pretty obvious it is). YMMV. (at airport security I have to explain -- keep it short and simple: e.g. "medical liquids for my nebulizer"; if they need more info they can ask more questions and I will answer.)

I long ago got over holding up lines. I take the time needed and if the people behind me don't like it, that is their problem, NOT mine.

For example, it takes me ~10-20 minutes to get through airport security (not counting line wait time) because I usually will set off the metal detector and have to be patted down + they have to swab my medical liquids and sometimes have to search a bag to find something they think looks weird (e.g. last time it was to find the four AAA batteries I had together in a plastic carrier (?!?) ). The people who were behind me are long done and gone by the time I get to leave security.

At WDW, I prepare for the bag check by packing my bag(s) in a way that facilitates the check. That includes the clear bag(s) to protect and make checking the medical things easier. Likewise, instead of having lots of little loose things, I make use of small bags to aggregate things -- things are less likely to fall out and go missing, and there is no pawing through all the stuff. Lots of people don't prepare at all, and quite frankly they usually take longer than I do to get through.

SW

We decided to drive; the thought of packing a weeks worth of formula and medication and diapers made me nervous. I didn't know how I would fit it all into suitcases and then our clothes....AHHHH!!!!! I knew his medications would need to go into our carry on but I just got stressed trying to figure it all out. We go to the doctor frequently with him so I feel like I'm pretty good at packing his bag. He'll have his own and then we'll have a bag for our other stuff. Typically I put his meds in just a pocket in his feeding bag but since a CM may touch them I'm glad you suggested putting them in a clear Baggie. His meds go thru his g tube and its syringes we have labes on all the syringes as to what the meds are so we know what medicine is what. Our trip is going to be here soon. Time to get organized & figure out what all we will need while we are there.

 

[gap2368]

If you do not want a CM touch your son medical things have it in a pocket with a wide opening and say this is my sons medical things I would like you not to touch it have it opened as wide as it can they may want to feel the out side of it but this should work. I have never tried it or had the need too