I totally hear what you are saying LeeAnn. And I largely agree with it. But as long as there is the body scanner and pat downs--even of they revert back to back of the hand pat downs--it is going to be exposed.
I think the most important thing is to focus on the TSA making ostomy patients aware of the screening procedure (at least the fact that the bag may have to be exposed and touched) ahead of time and to allow patient choice on how the screening occurs (public or private) and if the pants have to be dropped to develop a procedure where the patient is the one to drop the pants. It is important that patients feel like they have as much control as possible during the screening; I feel that preserves some of our dignity.
I would urge the ostomy association to advocate
forcefully for such regulations.
Originally Posted by
N965VJ
There's nothing really secret about Explosive Trace Detection, and Explosive Trace Portals (puffers) would mitigate most, if not all, privacy concerns of passengers. Unfortunately, the TSA was not able to properly administer the acquisition and operation of them. Instead of using the current generation of puffers, the TSA has decided to use the body scanners being peddled by the Chertoff Group.
patients report being asked to expose the device, having it swabbed for etd after going through the scanners. I am returning through two airports with the scanners. I hope ringer the opportunity to go through one and see of that is true.