Are pacemaker/defibrillators and metal detectors compatible?

[Hunt4Fun]

A good friend of mine has an implanted combination pacemaker and defibrillator. He is very eager to go metal detecting with me but is afraid to because of the magnetic field generated by the detector. He has been advised by his doctor to avoid strong magnetic fields that might interfere with proper operation of his implant.

I have two questions. First, has anyone heard of a coin detector type of metal detector causing an adverse reaction in a pacemaker or defibrillator? Second, do any of you detectorists have an implanted pacemaker or defibrillator? If for any reason you do not want to answer one or both of these questions publicly, please send me a PM.

As long as it is safe for him, I would like to teach him what I know about detecting. Both he and I are convinced that he would really enjoy detecting.

All replies will be appreciated,
Bob

 

[Bugar In. USA]

I have Pacemaker-De-fibrilator, just the only thing is keep anything with strong magnetic field 6-12 in away, talk on cell phone with right ear, (if yer heart's on the left side),don't carry cell phone in t shirt pocket over pacemaker, don't use the old timey corded phone on pacemaker side, stay out from under hood of car a runnin, and no weldin, or chain sawin, DETECT TILL YOU DROP===GOGOGOGOGOGOGOGOGO
FOR IT,BEEPBEEPBEEPBEEPBEEP

 

[Mike from MI "Iron Brigade"]

Boogar knows, so his advice will begood! Hope to see more of ya! God bless!

Mike

 

[Greg from Mi.]

And I asked about just this question. He said no issues with metal detectors. He did say not to go around me when I'm arc welding and no MRI's
Hope this helps
Greg from Mi.

 

[shakerdave]

I got one have chainsawed a mountain of wood not supposed 2 but got cold in Alaska! been under alot of hoods still here! oh yea I swing a dect tooo! Got a metronic dual chamber better than the other option I guess. shakerdave

 

[Hunt4Fun]

Thanks everyone for your replies.

I posted this same question on quite a few of the forums. All of your replies have been printed and presented to my friend.

Also gave him a printout of a PDF file from www.guidant.com. It gives a lot of practical information about the strength of the magnetic fields of various electrical/electronic devices.

I have continuously told him to wait for a green light from his doctor and/or his device manufacturer. I am just trying to arm him with information.


Thanks again and God bless you all, Bob