I can honestly say that over the last couple of weeks the weather has been awful…… rain rain and even more rain. It’s no surprise that Pure 02’s rental department have been inundated with calls and booking from patients and their families who are planning to travel in search of some sun.
Pure 02’s rental department help those patient who requires oxygen for travelling, whether it’s oxygen in flight, ambulatory oxygen or LTOT (long term oxygen therapy), we have an oxygen concentrator to suit every individual patients needs.
Having COPD or using home oxygen does not mean you cannot travel. Advances in portable oxygen and respiratory equipment have provided those who like travel with our lightweight, battery-operated devices that make travelling for all of our patients easier than ever.
Recent changes in airline policy have made it possible to bring approved all of our oxygen concentrators on board airlines. Our portable concentrators can weigh less than 3KG and are battery operated; batteries can last between 2 – 10 hours, however extra batteries are added for each individual journey.
Careful planning is essential for those with COPD. Here is a small Pure 02 check list based on the following information to ensure your trip goes smoothly.
Where are you going????
Be sure to research the city or state that you will be visiting. Places at high or low altitude can affect your breathing. Poor air quality can cause an exacerbation of COPD. Before you leave, call ahead or check air pollution levels to determine if air quality will be an issue.
Are you healthy enough to travel???
Nothing ruins a holiday faster than ending up in a hospital bed. Schedule a visit with your health care provider shortly before you plan to leave. He or she might prescribe extra medication in case of a flare – up whilst on the road. Your doctors can also provide you with your home-oxygen prescription as well as with any other medical documents that may be required when you travel.
How will you get there ???
How you travel can also affect your COPD systems. Travel by car, air or rail all present different challenges to consider.
Automobile/RV
If you are driving for a long period of time, you mist be prepared. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and be sure to keep any medicalion handy. Be sure to schedule any rest stops to stretch and prevent clots from forming in your legs. If you are driving through areas with high pollution levels or on crowded highways, keep your windows up and turn on the air conditioning to protect your lungs from irritation, also try to avoid drinking in peak hours. If you require oxygen, always ensure that you have enough batteries and they are charged ready to be used. Dont smoke or allow others to smoke while in the car.
Air Travel
There are special considerations for those with COPD when flying. Especially when using supplemental oxygen. Many major airlines now allow you to take and use your own portable oxygen concentrator. We always recommend checking with your airline before booking your holiday, or click on the link below for more information.
http://www.healthoxygen.com/Commonly-used-airlines-that-accept-portable-oxygen-concentrators
Bus
Most bus lines will provide assistance for those with special needs. We recommend you call at least 48 hours before you plan to leave and let them know if you use supplemental oxygen or are in a wheelchair. Most bus lines will allow patients to carry and use their oxygen concentrators on board. Always call ahead for specific regulations.
Cruise Ship
Most cruise lines require 4 to 6 weeks prior notice if travelling with supplemental oxygen. They do however allow you to take your own oxygen concentrators on board, just remember that cruise line regulations may vary.
Do you have everything you need?
Pure 02 always recommend a packing list to ensure you have everything you need, including the following.
- Sufficient Batteries for your oxygen concentrator
- Sufficient Medication
- Copy of your oxygen prescription
- Required medical documentation
- A list of your medications
- Proper electrical adapters, particularly if travelling overseas or foreign countries
- Directions to hospital, walk in centres, in case of emergency
