Can I Hunt With A Pacemaker Or Defibrillator?

Dr. Olshansky answers the question: 'Hunting With Pacemaker Or Defibrillator?'

ByABC News
November 20, 2008, 4:38 PM

— -- Question: Can I continue to hunt if I get a pacemaker or defibrillator, and if so, what changes should I make?

Answer: Well, there are several issues regarding hunting and use of firearms, for example, with pacemakers and defibrillators. First of all, of course, if you have a device like a defibrillator, there's always the possibility that you could pass out before getting an electric shock. And so therefore, if you are aiming a rifle, for example, and you lose consciousness, you might end up shooting some place you don't want to shoot. So that's one issue.

But if your pacemaker or defibrillator are working well and you've checked this out with your doctor and your doctor feels it's okay to hunt -- if you are an avid hunter, it's probably best to let your doctor know before a pacemaker or defibrillator is implanted so that the pacemaker or the defibrillator can be placed on the side at which your rifle or gun won't be recoiling.