How to plan for travel (2148)

Key points below


If your child has complex needs

Dates of Travel: __________________________________

Where you are going: ______________________________________

Flying:  [   ]  Driving:  [   ]

Person has:   Trach   [   ]     Vent   [   ]     Oxygen   [   ]

If using oxygen: Medical Team has said they are “safe to travel”  [   ]

Oxygen %/LPM _________________

Caregiver:

Give your Medical Team and DME provider at least 1 month to help you with your travel needs. The
more time they have to help you, the better.

Make an emergency contact list, have phone numbers and addresses for the following:
o DME companies, your current company and the one at your destination.
o Local (children’s) hospitals where you are going, and along your route.
o Doctors.
o Children’s Wisconsin Pulmonary Line/ Complex Care Program.

Remember to have these numbers written down on paper. During travel you may not have WIFI or a
phone or tablet may run out of battery and you will need to call.

Know the battery life of your equipment, and charging options.

Order extra disposable supplies and medicines in the months before your trip. This will include
anything that is “as needed”. This will help so you do not run low while packing. You will also be fully
stocked when you get back.

Talk with your DME company

Be sure to tell your DME the details of your trip. This includes dates and where you are going.
DME can:

- Offer a portable oxygen concentrator (POC). This is needed for flying. If not, could help with a rental agreement with another DME company. You might have to pay for your rental time.
- Explain the position your Oxygen should be in while driving.
- Explain how to secure your tank.

- save room in the car.
- reduce items carried through the airport.
- give you time to call to make sure the items were received (in good condition).
- find out where you can pick them up when you arrive.

If anything was damaged during shipping, you still have the chance to pack those items.

Talk with your Medical team about:

- Medical clearance form.
- Letter including medical equipment, supplies, and medicines that are medically necessary to fly onboard with the patient.
- Oxygen needs.

Check with Airport to learn about any accessible options. For example, see if an accessible bathroom requires an appointment.

How Children’s Wisconsin Team can help:

- Write a letter for the airline listing what equipment and supplies are medically necessary to be with the patient.
- Medical clearance form.

ALERT

Call your child’s doctor, nurse, or clinic if you have any questions or concerns or if your child has special health care needs that were not covered by this information.