|
| |
Cloud City Medical belongs to a network of over
10,000 home medical equipment companies. For those longer trips,
simply contact us as soon as your plans are finalized and let us handle
the details. We will contact a company at your destination and
provide them with all the information required, including any necessary
prescriptions. For shorter trips, call us with the details.
We will do whatever we can to make sure you have a safe, enjoyable trip.
The following information has been
provided courtesy of the American Lung Association
When
traveling, people with lung disease have extra considerations to take
into account. People who regularly need supplemental
oxygen, such as those with COPD,
need to plan for mobility -- how to get from one place to another
between refills. However, when traveling by plane, even people with lung
disease who don't necessarily use oxygen at home may require in-flight
oxygen because the air pressure in an airplane cabin is lower during
flight than on the ground. Regardless, patients should be sure to talk
with their physician before traveling.
When
Traveling by Air
 | Well in advance of
traveling, talk with your physician -- you need your doctor's
approval to travel. You and your doctor should also provide the
airline with information about your need for oxygen. The airline's
medical department will then evaluate your needs to see if they can
accommodate you. If they can, the airline will supply the oxygen and
other apparatus that your doctor deems necessary. Equipment may vary
from airline to airline. Keep in mind that airlines have limited
seats for passengers that need in-flight oxygen. Airlines may also
refuse passengers that they consider unsafe to travel.
| Passengers cannot
use their own oxygen cylinders and equipment. However, passengers
may be able to take empty cylinders and equipment as
part of their baggage. Check with different airlines as their
charges for supplemental oxygen and equipment storage vary.
| Remember to also
make plans for when you're on the ground -- airlines do not provide
oxygen at the airport. Try to get a non-stop or direct flight to
avoid extra fees and the hassle of arranging for oxygen on the
ground if there are stopovers. Oxygen distributors should be able to
provide this service. |
| |
Back
to top
When
Traveling by Land
| There are fewer
restrictions when traveling by land. However you should still talk
with your doctor. Let your doctor know about the altitudes that
you'll be traveling to -- s/he may need to alter your flow rate
prescription if you are going to a very different altitude. You will
also need to arrange for oxygen refills in advance.
| BY CAR: When
traveling by your own car or motor home, you have the freedom to
carry your own portable oxygen equipment and to arrange for refills
along the way. But remember to transport and store oxygen safely.
The oxygen must be kept upright, away from heat and flame. Do not
store oxygen in the trunk where it can get very hot. Also, because
oxygen containers release small amounts of gas periodically, keep a
window partially open, regardless of the weather.
| BY BUS: Since
the travel-with-oxygen policy varies by bus line, check with the bus
operator in advance. Buses should all be non-smoking now, so if
portable oxygen is allowed there should not be a problem.
| BY RAIL: Similarly,
there are no set policies for traveling with oxygen by rail. Contact
the railroad in advance to notify them of your need and to check
their specifications on the equipment you can bring aboard. You will
need to sit in the no smoking section. Generally, on Amtrak, you
will need to bring enough oxygen for the trip plus an additional
20%. The equipment should also not depend solely on the train's
provided electrical power. |
| | |
Back
to top
When
Traveling by Sea
| Check with the
cruise line for their supplemental oxygen policy. Some ships may be
able to provide supplemental oxygen; otherwise you will need to
bring enough oxygen to last throughout the trip or arrange for
refills at ports of call. Your oxygen supplier may also be able to
provide you with an oxygen conserving device for longer trips.
| Some
companies, such as MedicalTravel.org and
Cruise
Holidays, organize cruises especially for
people with lung disease. Your local Lung Association may also have
plans for a cruise -- click
here to find out if your local is planning
one. |
|
Back
to top
International
Travel
| In general, oxygen
is widely available in Europe and Japan. There are now more
suppliers that can provide oxygen in many other countries as well.
| Be sure to have the
right electrical conversion adapters for your respiratory equipment.
Liquid oxygen adapters with metric threads may also be needed. |
|
Back
to top
|
|
