Airport Security and Your Ostomy

Two years ago, Ostomy Canada was involved in the development of training materials for more than 8,000 screening officers at more than 90 airports in Canada. The objective was to improve screening for people living with an ostomy. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) had requested our input and support; hence our participation

CATSA trains and certifies screening officers to use various technologies, including handheld and walk-through metal detection equipment, explosive trace detection equipment and full body scanners, and on procedures for physically searching people, their baggage and items, including any mobility or medical aids. CATSA was looking to ensure the lived experiences of people with disabilities would be acknowledged and taken into account in their training programs. We were asked to identify the needs of persons living with an ostomy.

The new training was developed to help ensure screening officers would become better-prepared to perform the correct steps to facilitate each passenger’s passage through the screening process effectively. They learned to use empathy and discretion when communicating with persons with an ostomy and, more generally, to recognize and respond to persons with unique screening needs.

Many people living with an ostomy have difficulties while travelling, such as stress, leakage, a detached device, high output, extreme gas, odours and embarrassment over their ostomy and the bag of supplies. It is important to stop, announce your ostomy and move through security as directed. You can assist the screener by advocating for yourself and your ostomy.

Here are some more recommendations when travelling by air:                  

• Before your trip, download or request a Traveller’s Card from the Ostomy Canada national office, so you can present it to screeners.
• Store your ostomy equipment in a small bag within your carry-on bag.
• Carry a letter from your medical practitioner stating you have an ostomy and listing your drugs and equipment.
• Always eat lightly the day before and the day of travel. This will reduce gas, high output and frequency of emptying.
• Wear comfortable clothing.
• Just prior to boarding the airplane, use the washroom for a final empty.
• When they are x-raying your carry-on bag, they might notice and want to take out your equipment bag to search it. Tell the screener what it is. If they want to look through it, request that they change their gloves, as you don’t want bacteria from them.
• After entering security, when you are on the mat ready to be directed through, let the screener know if you have an ostomy on your right or left side and explain it is covered with a pouch to eliminate.
• Remove anything metal, such as a belt with a buckle.

The screener will ask you to go through a gate and to the side, where they will move a detection wand over your body and explain if they are checking for drugs. There is no reason for a device to beep. Further, if no detectors go off, there is no reason for you to lift your clothing and show your device. If asked to do so, you can request a private room.

We who live with an ostomy have a disability. Screeners are trained to deal with all types of disabilities. Remember to advocate for yourself by telling the screener you have an ostomy. Remember we have a hidden disability; the screener cannot see it upon entry.

Source

By Ann Durkee-MacIsaac, Director & Past Chair of the Board, Ostomy Canada Society

Following her ostomy surgery in 2002, Ann became a member of her local Ostomy Chapter in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. Through her experiences, she recognized the importance of providing support within the ostomy community. Ann has served as the Past Chair of the Board and as the Past Regional Administrator for Atlantic Canada. Furthermore, she founded and leads the Disability Tax Credit Committee. Her involvement extends to being an active Director of the Board, member of the Advocacy Committee and co-leading the Ostomy Visitor Program. Additionally, Ann is a vital part of the South West Nova Scotia Peer Support Group, continuing to contribute and support others in her community.

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