Travelling with Oxygen What to Tell Your Patients Lesley Hill Tracey Miller

Can I Travel with Oxygen Therapy? YES It just takes some planning and thought

Travel in the UK Arranged By: FREE of Charge Dolby Vivisol Provider: What Equipment? Similar to what they have at home Provider: Local Oxygen provider at destination Arranged By: Dolby Vivisol

1 2 3 What do they need to do? 3 Steps Gain permission from the holiday property Write to Dolby Vivisol with 3 weeks notice Provide details: holiday address, dates, contact telephone number and any other relevant information 1 2 3

Planes, Trains and Automobiles Fit to Fly Certificate Travel insurance – FISH / BLF Check with the airline regarding regulation for carrying oxygen http://www.europeanlung.org/en/lung-disease-and-information/air-travel/airline-index/?letter=t 4. What about at the airport or if there are delays?

Planes, Trains and Automobiles Check with the company in advance to make sure they are aware patient will be travelling with medical oxygen provided They may be able to provide assistance Portable / TPOC can not be plugged in on trains

Planes, Trains and Automobiles Ensure oxygen equipment is secure in the car DO NOT SMOKE Take only the number of units required Do not leave the car unattended or in direct sunlight with the equipment inside, ventilate the car Ensure that flow meters are OFF on unused cylinders Do not use oxygen at when filling the car with fuel Have a fire extinguisher in the car Keep flammable materials (Fuel , oil etc.) away from the oxygen flow

Travel abroad NOT a free service NHS oxygen equipment should not be taken abroad Rates vary dependant on the destination country Oxygen provision varies from country to country Dolby Vivisol can help you arrange your oxygen abroad

Private Oxygen Therapy Vivitravel Offers: Access to a wide range of equipment Patients can either purchase or hire Dedicated holiday enquiry line Telephone: 0330 123 0305 Email: vivitravel@dolbyvivisol.com Travel into the UK and abroad Flights Trains Cruise Cars 24hr patient support Private Oxygen Therapy

What do my patients need before they travel abroad? Talk to their airline Patients will need to complete their relevant airline’s Medical Information Form (MEDIF). This can be found and downloaded from the airline’s website. Fit to Fly Certificate Before booking a holiday outside the UK your patient must consult their GP or consultant – especially if you are flying, as 'Fit to Fly' certificate is required to go along with the MEDIF. Travel Insurance The British Lung Foundation has a partnership with FISH – which provides specialist insurance services – to develop a range of insurance products for your patients

Contacting Dolby Vivisol… All holiday requests to be made in writing to: Email: shol.dv@nhs.net Address: Dolby Vivisol North Suite Lomond Court Castle Business Park Stirling FK9 4TU Patient phone line: 0800 833 531