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

 

[Jackpine Savage]

This question came up on a forum a couple years back. I don't recall which site it was on however, a couple tech guys stated that the EMF from a detector is not strong enough to have any effect pn the operation of a pacemaker.

Tom

 

[Hunt4Fun]

Thanks for your reply.

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 called both Garrett and White

 

[clondike clad]

It is ok to use the detector.
The output is as safe as a walkman radio.
To be safe check with the metal detector maker.
I know THers with pacemake using detectors with no problems.
The only thing is if he finds the big one( hords ,gold old coins etc) and have a big one.I found a large gold ring a almost had the big one.