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23 Sep, 2016 15:15

Austrian family ‘treated like terrorists’ at Eiffel Tower because of child’s insulin pump

Austrian family ‘treated like terrorists’ at Eiffel Tower because of child’s insulin pump

An Austrian family say they were left in shock following a visit to the Eiffel Tower, after being treated “like terrorists” when their diabetic son’s insulin pump was noticed by staff at the Paris landmark.

The family’s 14-year-old-son, Samuel, is a Type 1 diabetes sufferer, according to the Local. He needs to carry a special pump to deliver insulin at all times, and uses the apparatus for injections several times a day, also relying on an insulin patch on his arm.

As the family approached the Paris attraction, they were stopped by security, who mistook the pump for a dangerous object, the Local learned.

Samuel’s father claimed he produced the boy’s international diabetic ID card, but that a female guard reportedly ripped the bag containing the pump from his hands.

According to the boy’s mother, “[the guard] even damaged [Samuel’s] sterile emergency syringe, which was still in its package. We were so shocked and all we could do was cry.”

France has implemented heightened security measures after a wave of terrorist attacks. The step-up has particularly affected public attractions.

The family has returned home and has since written a complaint to the Austrian embassy in Paris.

“We don’t want other sick children to have to experience similar treatment,” the mother added.

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