Help!! - who do I kill.... [Insulin taken at Security, no Notification]

[Bindibuys]

Hi,
my best friend travelled from Darwin to Melbourne today, and upon arrival at Melbourne, awaiting his next flight to Canberra, he discovered that his insulin had been removed from his esky.
The only time the esky was out of his sight, was during xray at Darwin.
He is ready to kill someone working at the xray area, as this threatens his life, being a type 1 - insulin dependant.

My question - who is he best to call tomorrow, to have that staff member instructed that you can not remove needles from hand luggage, when that needle is used for insulin, and more so, not tell the passenger that it has been removed.

Any insight would be appreciated.

 

[Bindibuys]

I think he has struck up a telephone romance wth Darwin....
She is Welsh, loving it over here & has said she would keep his number in case she ever travelled down to the snowy region.
He will be back in Darwin again next year for the next fly fishing comp.
( once his “travel agent lady“ ~ Me ~ books his flights.)

 

[DC3]

Would it be usual to travel with insulin (loose) in an esky? Is this the picnic-style container? I imagine that it would be somewhat smaller for aircraft carry-on.

There are specialised products on the market that are designed for this purpose that are small, zippered and will keep the contents ‘cool’ for some hours.

MedActiv Australia

 

[DC3]

Also, googled this on the Diabetes Shop website:

Fridge-to-Go Medical Travel Wallet | Insulin Cooler Bag | Diabetes Shop

Advertised to keep contents at 2 - 8 degrees for up to 5 hours

 

[Bindibuys]

His esky is a "6 pack" size holds all his medical tablets and insulin diary and pen.
I have looked before at other carry options, but this small esky suits his needs.
The Icool medi cube would be around the size, but I also think he likes the "rigidity" of an esky for when he is out in the paddocks all day.
Also useful as a foot stool.

 

[tgh]

Fairly easy to be divorced from an esky when travelling , perhaps he could also carry a 12 hour supply of insulin and tablets on his person when he flies, just to be safe.

 

[suze2000]

As this story unfolds, my best guess is that the esky fell over in the conveyor and the insulin fell out. Or all the contents did and the insulin was not returned with the rest. He should put a luggage strap around it in future to prevent this. And not just in airports.

It is of interest to me though as I will soon be flying with injectibles for the first time. Since I only need the meds fortnightly, not daily or hourly, I was planning on putting them and their esky in my checked luggage for ease.

 

[DC3]

... I was planning on putting them and their esky in my checked luggage for ease.

 

[AV8]

We have travelled for years overseas taking the FRIO pen holder (have several sizes) without any issues either from Airport screening nor pen temperature after long flight. Put the FRIO in the same basket as mobile phone, computer for screening - been asked a few times what it was and have a small laminated copy of FRIO specification inside pouch.

Frio Small Insulin Wallet | Diabetes Shop Australia

The Frio Small Insulin Wallet is perfect for travel & helps keep insulin cool & safe, no refrigeration or ice needed. Find yours online at Diabetes Shop.

diabetesshop.com

 

[suze2000]

Yeah I know. But I'm only going to QLD, the likelihood of losing the luggage isn't high and it's not like their aren't pharmacies up there where I can get a replacement for the prescription.

 

[Doug_Westcott]

As this story unfolds, my best guess is that the esky fell over in the conveyor and the insulin fell out. Or all the contents did and the insulin was not returned with the rest. He should put a luggage strap around it in future to prevent this. And not just in airports.

It is of interest to me though as I will soon be flying with injectibles for the first time. Since I only need the meds fortnightly, not daily or hourly, I was planning on putting them and their esky in my checked luggage for ease.

Would not recommend checked luggage for overseas travel in case it gets lost. Not such a big issue for domestic travel as you can get your doctor to fax prescription to a nearby chemist.

 

[Dr Ralph]

Something of a myth- it’s fine to use if it’s been at room temperature for up to 28 days.

This is correct.

My partner is an insulin dependant diabetic. We travel for extended periods in the US and there is zero need for the insulin to be in an esky.

If the insulin is in an esky with ice there is a risk the insulin will freeze. This will destroy the insulin.

 

[ALH]

Next update; returned call today, insulin handed in, offer to send to Cooma declined - out of cool area for too long to risk use.
Now going to view cctv to see who / how got handed in.

Did they ever disclose any details from the CCTV footage? Who? Why?

 

[DC3]

... there is zero need for the insulin to be in an esky.

If the insulin is in an esky with ice there is a risk the insulin will freeze. This will destroy the insulin.

Might be time for the OP’s friend to ditch the esky for something more practical.

 

[Bindibuys]

I will ask him tonight when he calls.

 

[DC3]

I will ask him tonight when he calls.

Maybe he’ll call later?

 

[AIRwin]

Maybe he’ll call later?

Was the call on hold?

 

[DC3]

Was the call on hold?

Maybe long distance. OP may confirm.

 

[Bindibuys]

No, just me forgetting to ask. We talk on the phone about 3 times a week, so its just me at fault.

 

[Bindibuys]

So, just asked him, has not heard anything else from the airport. Guess that is the end of the story.
He will be back at Darwin next year, I am sure he will be paying close attention to his esky.

 

[DC3]

So, just asked him, has not heard anything else from the airport. Guess that is the end of the story.
He will be back at Darwin next year, I am sure he will be paying close attention to his esky.

That esky must go!!!!!!

Unless he is self-catering onboard.