Summer 2009
Page 7

Travel Secureity

Travel Securty

What’s new in Airline Security and how it affects persons with ostomies

.By Heather Orsted, RN, ET, BN, MSc, Educational Consultant: Ostomy, Skin & Wound Management

I just came back from Dallas, Texas and was selected to receive a full body scan. What was very interesting was that this scan revealed my ostomy appliance to the customs officers and I was pulled aside. I immediately became concerned that they thought I was bringing more than my allotted liquid across the border since I have a urostomy!!

However it was the appliance flange that gave them concern. Apparently persons smuggling drugs often use such a patch to hold their contraband. After a short game of show and tell in a private room, I was released to go on with my travels. The customs officers were very interested and professional. So don’t be surprised if you are asked a few personal questions if you have an experience with the scanner. This is a good opportunity to enlighten people about ostomies.

Safe Travels!

Ed. Note: Heather Orsted is the Vice-President of the Calgary Ostomy Society

SOURCE: Calgary Ostomy Society, June 2009, via Inside Out On-line Summer 09.
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