Page 28 - HME Business, August/September 2018

O2 ON THE GO
O2 ON THE GO
By Holly J. Wagner
How can respiratory providers help their long-term oxygen therapy patients travel?
requires at least 4 hours of battery power and UL or FM listed devices only, but also accommodates up to two 50-pound or
six 20-pound oxygen tanks for those who need bulkier supply systems. Many train systems overseas have accommodations
for passenger assistance, but what’s avail- able varies a lot from country to country and carrier to carrier.
Car travel is similar to other kinds of travel, but a lot more flexible for travelers. They can schedule stops and be sure to stay in places where they can charge batteries. Patients should make sure to have extra charged batteries and a phone number for a manufacturer rep handy – not packed under suitcases in the trunk.
Planning ahead is the key. Patients should contact their physicians when they are plan- ning a trip, not after the plans are in place. It’s important that your clients notify you as well.
“First, if the patient informs the provider that he or she is traveling, the provider can proactively address preventative mainte- nance items such as batteries before the patient leaves town,” says Nick Jacobs, senior director or respiratory at Invacare. “Batteries, just like the oil in your car, only last so long before they need to be replaced.”
Resources on the Road
VGM members have free access to the company’s Freedom Link, a network with
TRAVELING WITH OXYGEN ISN’T ROCKET
science – at least not yet. As long as trav- elers are earthbound, there’s a specific set of concerns to traveling with oxygen that apply across transportation modes, and a few that are particular to one or another.
Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs) were developed to increase patient mobility, comfort and convenience. It’s only natural that patients would want to take that on the road. It’s possible to travel with bulkier gear if neces- sary, but POCs allow the greatest mobility.
It’s a pretty safe bet that POC travelers
won’t be climbing Mt. Everest. But most other trips are an option. Some carriers even rent on-board oxygen equipment, but that’s usually expensive. Oxygen patients need support on weekends with the grandchildren, airline hops, cross-country car trips and trains, too.
As a rule, the patient will want the lightest- weight and most comfortable POC that meets his or her needs. That applies across transportation types, but is also important for activities that involve walking or bus tours, which are common to tour packages.
“The first requirement is a POC that delivers the highest purity of oxygen.
The POC should be easy to use, reliable and quiet,” says Philip Geancoupoulos, marketing manager for Precision Medical.
Types of Travel
Cruising is by far the easiest way for oxygen patients to travel. Outlets for charging POCs are plentiful aboard ships, backup equipment may be available in case of a mechanical issue, and there are even clinician-managed travel groups that make all the necessary arrangements for oxygen- dependent cruiser members.
“There are these groups that are set up for traveling with oxygen,” Geancoupoulos says. “For example, there’s Better Breathers Clubs that cruise. These groups work with respiratory therapists that fit patients with their needs. They help with oxygen from start to finish.”
Airlines routinely work with POC patients. Their requirements are similar but have
key variations, so it’s best to contact the individual carrier. Most airlines require FAA-approved equipment, and many have their own rules as well.
Amtrak has a web page devoted to oxygen travelers. The passenger rail company
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