Your child will need to make some trips outside the home while using
home oxygen therapy. It is a good idea to think about, and plan around, potential obstacles to make travel easier for you and your child.
What to bring
- If your child’s team has recommended an oximeter, bring it with you.
- Always bring more oxygen than you think you will need. You may be out longer than expected, for instance if you are delayed in traffic.
Transporting your child’s oxygen and equipment
- If your child is using a stroller, make sure it is large enough to carry your child, travel bag and oxygen therapy system. Be careful about placing a heavy tank on the back of a stroller; the weight of the tank may cause the stroller to tip backwards.
- You can store extra oxygen in your car. To minimize the risk of fire, carry tanks in a secure, upright position in the back seat, but never in the trunk of the car. In addition, never store oxygen tanks in a hot car.
- As a caregiver of a child needing home oxygen therapy, you are eligible to use parking spaces reserved for disabled drivers. Ask your health-care team to fill in an accessible parking permit form for you.
Going on vacation
- Before going on vacation, co-ordinate supplies and delivery with your medical vendor. For instance, you may need to arrange a short-term portable oxygen concentrator rental if you do not have one already. If you are staying within Canada, some companies have branches in other provinces and can arrange oxygen delivery to your destination. Only specific oxygen delivery sources are permitted on airplanes.
- If you are flying, inform your health-care team so that they can help you complete any airline medical forms. Contact the airline for the specific costs and requirements related to bringing a portable oxygen concentrator with you and/or or using on-board oxygen.
- Plan any trips at least two to three months in advance.
Visiting your child's doctor
When you make a doctor's appointment at the hospital for your child, tell the clinic staff your child is using home oxygen therapy. Tell them again when you arrive. You can use their supply of oxygen while you wait and while your child is seen in clinic.