Oxygen in Ireland

World International

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Hello

My sister and I have been planning a trip to Ireland for a few months--we are taking my parents who are not doing so well health wise. My mom just had a set back w/ her CHF and COPD. She is now on O2 24 hrs a day. This trip is all we ever heard about growing up...my parent's dream! Is it even possible to travel all around Ireland for 3 weeks with her on o2? We have the whole trip planned and paid for...but now my mom says she doesn't think she make it. It's all so depressing. I could kick myself..if we had only gone 6 months ago. Any insights will be more than welcome.

Thanks

caliotter3

38,333 Posts

My take on this is that most of the impact concerning this trip depends on your mom's attitude. I would say, who cares if she can't go up and go running around each and every day of the trip? Just getting over there and being able to breathe in the air and atmosphere (no pun intended) will do her good. If three years from now she's (heaven forbid) not with us, will it be better for her that she just sat around the house or better that she got to see some sights and got her mind off her health? She should go on the trip and take everything at her own pace. JMHO

Silverdragon102, BSN

1 Article; 39,477 Posts

Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Have you made arrangements to get the O2 if required whilst in Ireland? Not sure if that may be an issue

MuddaMia

246 Posts

Have you made arrangements to get the O2 if required whilst in Ireland? Not sure if that may be an issue

No...this is my main concern..the availability and cost. My sister (also an RN) said she didnt think insurance would cover it over there. They have BC/BS and Medicare.

allnurses Guide

XB9S, BSN, MSN, EdD, RN, APN

1 Article; 3,017 Posts

Specializes in Advanced Practice, surgery.

Although I completely agree with the last poster, if this trip is something you and your family have been planning for such a long time then it would be a shame to cancel it.

As Silverdragon has already said I think your major issue will be maintaing the supply of O2 and I am not sure this is something that we are going to be able to answer here. I guess you will need to speak to your healthcare and travel insurer to make sure that it will be possible to provide the supply that you will need.

Silverdragon102, BSN

1 Article; 39,477 Posts

Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Another option could be contact some chemists in the areas you are going to be travelling to and discuss this with them and see what the options are. It may be that they require something from your mother's doctors confirming the requirement of O2 and they may be able to confimr costs. Insurance will also be a requirement. Also the airline needs to be involved if O2 is required during the flight as not all will allow you to take your own

caliotter3

38,333 Posts

I would inquire about the ability to rent a portable concentrator while in country. Small oxygen units that can be taken on the plane are readily available from this end.

Specializes in Cardiac.

My grandpa is on 24/7 O2 and he CANNOT take it on the plane when he travels. Not for short trips and not for long trips.

He loads up prior and then wings it without.

I can just tell you, it's a PITA to deal with. Those small tanks will last you a little while, and while at home/hotel you can get the machine. But I'd seriously look into if you can even swing bringing some on board.

Specializes in Cardiac.

http://www.nationaljewish.org/news/features/air-travel-copd.aspx

While most major airlines do allow you to carry oxygen on board, some do not. Make sure the airline you are flying does allow you to carry oxygen on board. Phone the airline or check its Web site to find out.

Because of security concerns airlines do not allow you to carry your own oxygen onto a plane. You must use oxygen supplied by the airline, although you may transport your own oxygen tank as a checked piece of luggage. You will be charged an additional fee to use the airline's oxygen tank.

suzanne4, RN

26,410 Posts

I have flown internationally all over and there have almost always been patients with oxygen being used. Commercial planes also transport medically fragile patients and have oxygen available for you, you just need to make a reservation for it. Some planes are more receptive than others.

Normally, would imagine that your mother uses an oxygen concentrator normally, so would not need to transport tanks with her, she just needs to make sure that she can adapt one to the electricity that they have in Europe. There are many patients that are on home O2 and it has not stopped them from doing what they love. Just extra arrangements need to be made ahead of time.

Chances are their O2 provider at home can make any arrangements for her so that she does not miss her trip, if that is something that she is still up to doing. I would check with them first before doing anything at all.

Best of luck to you. You should be just fine.

nightmare, RN

1 Article; 1,297 Posts

Specializes in Nursing Home ,Dementia Care,Neurology..

Suzanne makes a good point about electricity, we are 240 volts here and the plugs are three pin.You would need a converter plug.

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