I recently asked the European Commission to replicate the Medical Device Awareness Card for use at all EU airports.

The Director-General for Mobility and Transport replied, “the initiative seems extremely useful as well as effective” and that it will be presented at the next meeting of the Aviation Security Regulatory Committee, where all EU Member States are present. Adding that “the aim is for the translation of the card into all the official EU languages and to disseminate it through our official website”.

This will help European air travel become easier and less stressful for those who wear an insulin pump, CGM or Freestyle Libre and I will keep campaign supporters up-to-date with developments.

BACKGROUND
Our recently launched Medical Device Awareness Card in association with the UK Civil Aviation Authority has full backing from the UK government.

The card is a simple yet highly effective solution to the continued issues at airport security whereby Security Officers insist that insulin pumps and CGMs are put through body scanners and x-ray machines, when in fact this can have serious medical consequences. Please click here to see the statements from the major manufacturers.

Airports have protocols in place whereby passengers may request a pat-down supported by ETD in lieu of the body scanner. However, we still receive complaints from passengers all over the world who are having problems. I have included some recent comments:

• “I was asked to remove my pump at an airport in Italy and it went through the scanner! I had a Dr letter etc but they treated me like a criminal and made me put it through!”
• “Our family has had a similar experience in France where we were yelled at and told if the pump didn't go through the X-ray we were not allowed to pass through. Our son who was 16 at the time was humiliated and terribly upset and our entire family was shaken by the whole ordeal. It is definitely time that all security staff at all airports are educated about pumps.”
• “I had a near miss at Faro Airport Portugal last year, when the guy insisting I go through the full body scanner finally read the last line of my doctor’s letter that I had given him, which stated that I should NOT take my pump OFF!!”
• “Only last week had to argue with security in Portugal about not putting an insulin pump through x ray and scanner. Refused to read paperwork explaining even though had had it translated.  Senior staff called and once explained again with all relevant documents all ok.  Very stressful and distressing especially for my daughter who was in tears by this stage.  Her pump is her lifeline and while I fully realise the security aspect some international understanding would go a long way.”

Please see the following comments regarding passenger who used the Medical Device Awareness Card:

• “Just passed through Heathrow Terminal 5 security wearing CGM with the new medical device card, excellent experience. The security man was impressed and said how easy it was to follow.”
• “Fantastic experience at @EdinburghAirpo1 security today thanks to one of these. Worked a treat.”
• “We recently used these for my 12yr old son (using a pump and CGM) worked a treat, both here and overseas. It takes away his stress and it’s very subtle. This is brilliant and everyone using this tech should have them.”
• “That was so much easier! Every member of staff recognised the card, no pressure to go through the scanner or put spare sensors in the X-ray. Detailed pat down which was a bit cringey but not a big deal. Thank you!”
• “Smooth and dignified through security with the new Medical Device Awareness Card”
• “My 12 year old son is very shy and doesn’t like to explain to anyone about his condition. We recently used the card for the first time. Just by being able to show the card to airport security and then discreetly show his devices (Omnipod and Dexcom G6) he was able to independently walk through security. This card is brilliant. It needs to be adopted worldwide. I saw an immediate improvement in my sons confidence and ability to handle a usually awkward situation.”

My next step is to request the USA to adopt the same scheme and will continue the campaign until all insulin pump, CGM and Freestyle Libre users have a STRESS FREE and SAFE experience at airport security all around the world.

RACHEL HUMPHREY
rachel@ufofreight.com