Traveling While Your Child is on Oxygen
It is OK to go places! If your child is on oxygen, it does not mean you have to stay home. This handout will help you plan ahead to have what you need on your trip.
What will Home Care do to support our travel needs?
We work with you to support practical and problem-free travel arrangements. This usually involves developing a medical back-up plan and arranging for transport of equipment, supplies or medicines. We will:
- Review the equipment, supplies and medicine you need for your trip.
- Discuss any travel limitations, timeframes and other travel plans to best fit the needs of your child and family while on our service.
How do I arrange for oxygen and supplies on our trip?
Contact us at least 4 weeks before your trip. We will need:
- Dates you will be traveling
- Destination
- Contact numbers and address of where you will be staying
When we have your travel information, we may be able to supply you with a portable oxygen concentrator, depending on inventory and your child’s prescribed liter flow. Another option is to go to OxygenToGo.com or call 877-736-8691.
Some hints for traveling
- Plan ahead! Contact us at least 4 weeks before you plan to leave.
- Travel with a partner.
- Pack carefully to make sure you have everything you need, including at least 2 copies of your child’s prescription for oxygen.
- Allow 2 to 3 times longer than you would normally allow for making connections, bus stops, etc.
- If you have trouble with equipment after hours or on weekends while you are traveling, call 425-482-4000 and ask to speak with the Home Care Respiratory Therapist on call.
Preparing for your trip allows you to enjoy your time away from home, confident that you do not have to worry about your child’s oxygen. Your respiratory therapist at Home Care Services can give you other tips. Feel free to call us Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to discuss your traveling needs.
To Learn More
- Home Care Services
425-482-4000
Toll-free: 800-888-4420 - Ask your child’s healthcare provider
- seattlechildrens.org/patient-education
Free Interpreter Services
- In the hospital, ask your nurse.
- From outside the hospital, call the toll-free Family Interpreting Line, 1-866-583-1527. Tell the interpreter the name or extension you need.
