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Whenever you take oxygen cylinders in a car it is advisable to take the Transport Emergency Card (TREM).
Whenever oxygen is in the vehicle then display the card on the dashboard. When not in use place it in the glove compartment.
We do not recommend you display stickers on the car window as it can give misleading information to the emergency services.
Please do advise your car insurer that you may be transporting a small number of cylinders in your vehicle.
Remember to firmly secure the cylinders in your vehicle so that they will not cause harm to persons or damage the vehicle.
The safest way to transport a concentrator in a vehicle is to keep it upright on the backseat of the car and restrain it using a seatbelt.
Concentrators must be kept upright at all times. Lying it flat in the boot of a car can damage the machine internally and is therefore not recommended.
The concentrator does not produce oxygen while it is switched off and therefore is not hazardous. You should notify your insurance company that you intend to transport the machine so that it is covered should it be damaged in transit.
Even if you have a condition which requires oxygen therapy on holiday either within the UK or abroad. We have put together some key considerations for you if you wish to go on holiday. We can help with many of the details and offer advice. Please contact 0800 136 603, giving us plenty of warning so that we can help you as much as possible.
If you wish to travel it is important that you see your Doctor first.
During a flight, the high altitudes will cause the partial pressure of oxygen to naturally fall. Healthy people are largely unaffected, but if your oxygen levels at sea level are already low, flying can have serious implications. You may be advised by your doctor to increase your flow rate during the flight.
Before booking a flight, check with the airline to see if they can assist with your in-flight oxygen needs. Most airlines provide oxygen during the flight at an additional cost. The maximum flow rate provided by the airlines is normally restricted to 4 litres per minute.
Remember to check what the cost will be and also what documentation they require you to complete.
Almost all airlines will require a medical certificate, called a MEDIF form (Medical Information Form) which will need to be completed by yourself and your doctor. They will then pass this on to their own Airline Medical Officer before clearance to fly is given. If you are offered in-flight oxygen then ask the airline to confirm whether this also covers landing and take off and what additional arrangements need to be made.
A small number of airlines will allow you to take one oxygen cylinder on board which can be used in-flight. You should always obtain confirmation from their Customer Service Team of what is acceptable and what documentation you will need to take with you. If you are given permission to take your own oxygen cylinder then also confirm with the airline that the local airport has no restrictions.
Planning in advance is always the key when booking your holiday.
The British Lung Foundation can also give you advice on travelling by calling 0207 688 5555 or visiting their website at www.britishlungfoundation.org
When abroad, you should travel with your European Health Insurance (EHIC - replacement for the E111) and ensure your insurance cover has your full medical history before you leave. Remember if your holiday is not within a reciprocal country and you fall ill you could be liable to a large bill.
If you are a frequent traveller with a particular airline then you can apply for a FREMAC medical card (Frequent Travellers Medical Card) to save a replication of medical forms, providing your circumstances do not change. FREMAC is issued by most airlines. If you need help with the provision of oxygen at an airport then there are companies who can offer this service. Please contact Vitalair for details 0800 136 603.
Remember to plan ahead.
Vitalair has details of travel companies in the US and some parts of Europe who can provide your equipment needs whilst abroad. In approved destinations, Vitalair will help you to order oxygen with an overseas provider. Some companies can arrange to meet you at the airport and install your equipment before you arrive. This will incur a charge with the arranging company and they will advise on the most appropriate payment method.
Please think about your accommodation. It would not be practical to have your apartment on the 10th floor of a hotel.
Remember the supplier has to have easy access to your place of stay.
For short trips you may decide to take oxygen supplies with you. Refer to the "travelling with oxygen" section detailed earlier, for further information. If you wish to discuss the provision of oxygen at your UK holiday destination then contact Vitalair who will discuss the best options available.
Remember the safety aspects apply when travelling as they do when you are at home. Ensure your equipment is stored safely and that you fully understand how to use your equipment if abroad -if different than your own.
Never smoke whilst using your oxygen equipment and do not use your oxygen equipment near open fires or naked flames
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