Travel with oxygen by car/taxi/bus
Can i travel with oxygen by car, taxi or bus?
Tips to follow before traveling with oxygen by car or bus.
How to travel with portable oxygen by car, taxi, bus.
Traveling by car might be the simplest and best way for people who use supplemental oxygen to travel.
Patients that use Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) must just plug in their device at the car’s lighter
while people who use oxygen tanks or cylinders, can relax at the back seats and enjoy their trip.
Although driving to your destination might take several hours or even days,
patients can request for a rest stop when ever they feel tired making the trip less stressful.
Traveling by taxi or bus, won’t be as comfortable as travelling with a private car
but there are things that you should do to make your trip easier and safer.
Remember, no matter what means of transport you choose to travel by, it is always better to travel with a companion.
Travel with oxygen by car
Before you travel with oxygen by car:
1) Visit your doctor to inform him/her about your trip.
Also inform the doctor if there are extreme weather conditions at your destinations
(high humidity, extreme cold, extreme hot, high altitude, air pollution) can make breathing even more difficult
or/and can worsen your symptoms. Take a new prescription if necessary.
2) Make sure you have all the medicine you need.
3) Make at least one copy of your medicine and oxygen prescription and always have it on you.
4) Do a research for doctors and hospitals at your destination in case you need it.
5) Always have an oximeter on you and check your oxygen levels regularly.
6) If you ‘re travelling abroad, check if your insurance covers you in case of emergency.
7) If you are using oxygen tanks or cylinders, always have more than you will usually use.
8) If you are using a Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC), fully charge all your batteries.
9) Be sure you have the right power convertors/adaptors.
10) If you have a Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC) take your car adaptor.
11) Take your cpap or bipap machine with you, even when you’ re not planning to stay the night.
12) Always be prepared for possible delays and have extra oxygen/batteries with you.
13) If you don’t have your own oxygen device or oxygen tanks, you can always rent.
There are companies that can supply you with oxygen devices or tanks almost everywhere in the world.
14) If you are going on a road trip plan organize your route, your overnight stops, your daily drive hours and your rest stops.
Roadtrip with oxygen
Traveling with oxygen by car or taxi.
1) If you have a Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC) device make sure you have the car adaptor with you.
2) To use your Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC) plug the adaptor in the cigarette lighter or other DC power.
3) Make sure you have extra fully charged batteries.
4) Place the Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC) properly on a passenger’s seat or on the floor and make sure that the air filters are open.
5) If you have oxygen tanks/cylinders make sure to store them properly and that there are no leaks. Never leave the tanks in a hot vehicle!
6) Do not leave your Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC) in the car due to high or extreme low temperatures.
7) Don’t place anything on the top of the device.
8) Always have one window little open.
9) Smoking inside the car is forbidden.
10) If you have arranged for a rental oxygen device or oxygen tanks/cylinders to wait, contact the supplier to inform about your arrival.
Driving a car with supplemental oxygen
Is it legal to drive a car while on oxygen?
Yes if your doctor approves it.
Driving with supplemental oxygen requires some additional considerations to ensure safety and comfort. Here are some tips for driving with supplemental oxygen:
Secure your oxygen equipment: It’s important to make sure that your oxygen equipment is securely fastened in your car. This can help prevent it from moving around during travel and potentially causing damage. You may also want to consider using a seatbelt to secure your oxygen tank or concentrator.
Ensure proper ventilation: It’s important to ensure that there is proper ventilation in your car while driving with supplemental oxygen. This can help prevent the buildup of oxygen and other gases, which can be a fire hazard. Make sure that your car’s windows are cracked open or that the ventilation system is on.
Avoid smoking: Smoking can be a fire hazard when using supplemental oxygen, so it’s important to avoid smoking while driving or when using your oxygen equipment.
Be aware of your oxygen supply: It’s important to keep an eye on your oxygen supply while driving. If you notice that your oxygen levels are getting low, pull over and refill your oxygen tank or switch to a backup tank. Be sure to plan rest stops along your route to allow for breaks and to refill your oxygen tank if needed.
Stay hydrated: Using supplemental oxygen can dry out your mouth and throat, so it’s important to stay hydrated while driving. Bring a bottle of water with you and take sips regularly.
Check your equipment regularly: Before setting out on your drive, check your oxygen equipment to ensure that it is working properly. This may include checking the flow rate and ensuring that the equipment is clean and free of any obstructions.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your drive with supplemental oxygen is safe and comfortable. If you have any questions or concerns about driving with supplemental oxygen, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider.
Can a driver on oxygen therapy be qualified to drive in interstate commerce?
In most cases, the use of oxygen therapy while driving is disqualifying. Concerns include oxygen equipment malfunction, risk of explosion, and the presence of significant underlying disease that is disqualifying, such as pulmonary hypertension. The driver must be able to pass a Pulmonary Function Test (PFT).
Traveling with oxygen by bus.
You can travel with oxygen by bus.
Find out what is the fastest way to arrive at your destination.
1) Contact the company early to inform about your oxygen needs and ask their policy and requirements for traveling with oxygen.
2) Ask if you can bring oxygen tanks or cylinders.
3) Ask if there is any doctor’s declaration form that must be submitted.
4) Place the Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC) properly and make sure that the air filters are open.
5) If you have oxygen tanks make sure to store them properly and that there are no leaks. Never leave the tanks in a hot vehicle.
6) If you have arranged for a rental oxygen device or oxygen tanks/cylinders to wait for you at the station/ bus stop,
contact the supplier to inform about your arrival.
To learn more about accommodation tips, click here.
Overall, traveling with oxygen by car can be a safe and effective option for people who need supplemental oxygen while traveling. By taking these steps to prepare for your trip, you can help ensure that your travels go smoothly and that you have everything you need to stay safe and healthy.
While travel by car can be a great way to travel, whether or not it is suitable for someone who uses supplemental oxygen will depend on their individual health and oxygen needs. It’s important for people who use supplemental oxygen to consult with their healthcare provider before planning any travel, including road trips.
If their healthcare provider determines that a road trip is safe and appropriate, there are many scenic routes and destinations that may be enjoyable for people who use supplemental oxygen. However, the length and route of the road trip should be carefully planned to ensure that there are adequate rest stops along the way to allow for breaks and to refill oxygen tanks if needed.
Some scenic routes that may be suitable for people who use supplemental oxygen include:
Pacific Coast Highway: The Pacific Coast Highway is a beautiful drive that runs along the California coastline, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. There are many places to stop and rest along the way, as well as plenty of places to refill oxygen tanks.
Blue Ridge Parkway: The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic drive that runs through Virginia and North Carolina, offering stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains. The drive includes many overlooks and rest areas, as well as plenty of opportunities to refill oxygen tanks.
Great River Road: The Great River Road follows the Mississippi River from Minnesota to Louisiana, offering beautiful views of the river and its surroundings. There are many towns and rest stops along the way, as well as plenty of places to refill oxygen tanks.
Ultimately, whether or not a road trip is suitable for someone who uses supplemental oxygen will depend on their individual health and oxygen needs. It’s important for them to consult with their healthcare provider before planning any travel.