Park Security and Medical Devices?

[carrieb]

Just curious - what's the proper way to go through the park security screeners when you're hauling a medical device?
What have you experienced going through the gates at WDW or any of the other fine amusement parks in Orlando?
Do you present your doctor's letter stating what you've got or can you just explain it to the screeners?

I know that this won't "fly" at the airport

My Dad has a LVAD (essentially a heart pump) and runs on batteries.
He only gets 3-5 hours per pair of batteries so whenever he's out and about he carries extras.
The batteries look like lap top batteries - not super thin, but brick like.

I've got less than 100 days to figure it out!

Thanks all!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

Basically the Security poeple just look into the bags. If they see anything unusual they may ask for a closer look to question it. Just be ready to say they are pare batteries for my father's heart machine. There is lots of leeway when medical items are involved. For example, when I am using my smaller ECV I will carry the charger with me and if I will be having dinner I bring along certain medications in a cooler pack. And I never have any problem.

 

[SueM in MN]

We brought along my DD's communication device, which looks sort of like a small touchscreen computer. Some of the screeners said nothing - just looked. Some looked in a curious sort of way, so I explained what it was in a few words.

 

[Ms_Butterfly]

With the new TSA regulations on batteries that aren't attached to anything, if your dad is flying, he should call the TSA to see what he needs to do about bringing his spare batteries.

 

[SueM in MN]

With the new TSA regulations on batteries that aren't attached to anything, if your dad is flying, he should call the TSA to see what he needs to do about bringing his spare batteries.

Good suggestion.
I'd probably also try to get it in writing. Check their website (tsa.gov) and see if they have anything that addresses medical need up yet.

 

[carrieb]

We will have a letter from my Dad's doctor.
When we went for our initial meeting we were told about some of the patients' post-surgery lives - one of the LVAD folks went to Italy, so I know they've done at least one letter that the TSA was OK with.

Actually my main worry is getting Dad through the airport security with his sense of 'humor.'
He has a de-fib as well so he will have to be hand wanded so hopefully whoever gets him won't be entirely humorless!

Thanks all for your suggestions.
I've been trying to anticipate as many of the possible issues we might encounter - which I KNOW is impossible - but it's nice to get feedback from all of you!

 

[flyingw/tink]

I took my daughter's nebulizer in the parks with me last time we were there and no one said anything. And luckily the one day we did have to use it in the parks I found a very nice CM who helped me to find an outlet very quickly.

 

[alizesmom]

We carried a suction machine with no problem as well as a backpack with multiple meds (including an injectable), feeding tubes, extra trach and cans of feeding. No one batted an eye. Karen