Can This Be True?

[NCHL]

GG,
I just got off the phone with Melinda Harper, who is in the Customer Service Hobby Division of Garrett Metal Detectors. She stated they get this question alot. She also stated that as long as the coil faces the ground, there's no problem using an MD with a defib. They know of a lot of people who MD with defibs. She emailed me Garrett's Safety Letter covering medical implants. It reads:

September 25, 2001

Garrett Metal Detectors makes every effort to insure that its products are safe for its users. Listed below are four standards that address the electromagnetic radiation safety for walk-through and hand-held metal detectors. The Garrett lines of walk-through and hand-held metal detectors have been tested by the engineering staff of Garrett Metal Detectors and have been found to meet the requirements of each of these standards.

1. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers: "IEEE Standard for Safety Levels with Respect to Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields, 3 kHz to 300 GHz", IEEE C95.1-1991 section 4.1.2.

2. Occupational and Safety Health Administration, "Radiation Protection Guide", CFR 1910.97 section (2) i.

3 National Institute of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice: "Standard for Walk-Through Metal Detectors for Use in Weapons Detection", NILECJ-STD-0601.00 (1974) Section 4.11 and "Standard for Hand-held Metal Detectors for Use in Weapons Detection", NILECJ-STD-0602.00 (1974) Section 4.5.

4. Canada Health and Welfare: "Performance Standards (Walk Through)", RPB-SC-18 Section 3.2.2, which addresses the issue of electromagnetic effects on cardiac pacemakers.

The Food and Drug Administration of the United States issued the following recommendations for users of electronic medical devices in its 1998 statement covering walk-through and hand-held metal detectors. "If scanning with a hand held metal detector is necessary, warn the security personnel that you have an electronic medical device and ask them not to hold the metal detector near the device any longer than is absolutely necessary; or you may wish to ask for an alternate form of personal search." No restrictions for users of electronic medical devices were recommended with respect to walk-through detectors. The full text of this statement may be found at Important Information on Anti-Theft and Metal Detector Systems and Pacemakers, ICDs, and Spinal Cord Stimulators.

Garrett research has produced no information that would indicate that its products have adverse effects on medical implants, pregnancy, recording media, or magnetic strips. Any additional recommendations or directives issued by personal physicians or medical equipment manufacturers should be followed. Please feel free to contact me should you have further questions concerning this matter.


Sincerely,
Robert Podhrasky
Vice President
Director of
Research and Development

(I've highlighted the best part.)

Christine, I think you use a White detector so I would recommend that you call their tech suppport staff and inquire. I would also recommend that the final verdict be that of a medical professional and I definitely agree with JC. Having said that, at least what I learned from Garrett, should give you hope.

Best wishes and blessings to you and Gordon.

[IndianaSmith]

GG- I think your initial post has been helpful to alot of folks who may have the same medical condition as Gordon (or know someone who does). It appears not alot of people knew the actual answer so alot of good, factual, documented information has been given in this post. I'd print-out some of those more factual ones & take them to the doctor with you. He can reconsider his initial opinion as well as know the next time, should he treat another patient with a similar condition.

JC- lol....not coming-down on you But speaking from experience, someone who was used to being active who can no longer do the things most take for granted, also have to deal with the mental side of this. Boredom and depression are terrible things to fight. Something as simple as getting out once or twice a week can do wonders for a persons attitude. You have to find something which is interesting, or you simply won't enjoy it, and if you don't.....there's little purpose in doing it. MDing causes little physical strain (to most), and it's something thatcan be done at ones own "pace".

I could certainly understand ones "devistation" if they feared they could no longer MD, it's a great hobby which keeps one mind & body as busy as they want it to (or as they are able to). Thankfully, this appears it's not going to be the situation in Gordons case.

Smitty

[anne]

I know someone with a pacemaker that still detects after 3years of having it fitted.

[gordiesgirl]

I want to thank you all for the information and suggestions to help us. I did call Whites support office and they informed me that Gordon CAN metal detect as long as he keeps the coil at foot level and not near the device itself.
JC I totally agree with what you said and I would give up breathing for Gordon to be healthy again.

Pappy and NCHL Thank you for doing so much research on the matter.

Yesterday was one of those days that you just wanted to end until I came here and saw that young Dylan was getting his detector and all my friends at TQ Cared enough to help us again.

Y'all so wonderful, And NCHL I think your cute

[NCHL]

Originally Posted by gordiesgirl

Y'all so wonderful, And NCHL I think your cute

Aw shucks ma'am-- now you done gone and got me blushin'. Tweren't nuthin'.

(But it sure is good to "hear" you smiling again.)

All best to you and Gordon.

[EPC Guy]

Christine, I'm so glad to hear that Gordon (and you) will not be giving up MD'ing! I wish you both all the best.
Shawn

[liquid1]

Originally Posted by NCHL

Aw shucks ma'am-- now you done gone and got me blushin'. Tweren't nuthin'.

(But it sure is good to "hear" you smiling again.)

All best to you and Gordon.

.....And NCHL I think your cute.....Now that funny..!!!!!!!!!Glad to here you and gordon will still be able to enjoy MDing..

[John's Detectors]

Hi Christine, I want to say I am in hope's that this will actually help him to get a better life, As for metal detecting the field from the detector coil is very weak compared to other devices that are working with electromagnetics. I have a friend that got one and he is a Ham Radio op. like me. The signal from his transmitter did interfere with his pacemaker and he had to give up Ham Radio. But the energy from an HF transmitter like he and I use is hundreds of times stronger and it is RF. So don't worry and he can keep metal detecting Christine. So God Bless you both and I know all will be well. Y'all take care now.

John Tomlinson,CET

[The TINMAN]

Wow GG, I think the Final Verdict will be that Gordon will Not Have to give Up detecting. God Bless everyone that researched the Info to help with GGs fears. Have You's in my thoughts and Prayers !!!!!

[Dylan]

I hope everything turns out ok keep us posted!