INTRODUCTION
Insulin pump and CGM manufacturers warn against exposing devices to x-ray or full-body scanners due to potential damage. Passengers are entitled to request alternative screening, such as a pat-down with explosive trace detection (ETD).

Please watch our video and read manufacturers statements.

Our aim is to ensure airport security recognises insulin pumps and CGMs as medical devices that must not go through x-ray machines or full-body scanners, and that failure to do so could swiftly cause medical consequences. 

After our own distressing experience, being held in an airport police room for over two hours and denied boarding due to my son's insulin pump, we launched this global campaign. Many others have faced similar issues. Please click here to read their comments and watch a short video from the JDRF Fusion Online Conference.

UK MEDICAL DEVICE AWARENESS CARD
Thanks to our campaign, the Medical Device Awareness Card, sponsored by the UK CAA and AOA, was launched in 2019. It's available instantly via a live link and can be downloaded to your phone. I've also had handy 125mm x 85mm double-sided printed versions made, perfect to keep in your passport. UK residents can request a free printed card by emailing rachel@mdacard.com and sending a stamped addressed envelope.

GOING GLOBAL
In early 2020, the UK CAA and Airports Council International (ACI) presented the Medical Device Awareness Card scheme at an ICAO meeting, proposing improved global guidance for screening passengers with medical devices. The proposal was endorsed by the ICAO Aviation Security Panel and included in the ICAO Security Manual, an influential, though non-mandatory, guide used by aviation authorities worldwide.

We’ll keep you updated on future developments and thank the UK CAA and JDRF for their outstanding support. I’m also continuing to engage with airports, airlines, the NHS, and diabetes organisations to raise awareness of correct screening protocols.

RACHEL CRAWFORD
Head of Campaign
Email: rachel@mdacard.com
Website: mdacard.com

WHAT YOU CAN DO
Please keep signing and sharing the campaign. If you have a negative airport security experience, report it by emailing rachel@mdacard.com with the airport name, date, time, flight number, and a brief description of what happened.

Feel free to follow us on X to see updates!