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Mechanical Ventilation in Nontraditional Settings 605

and managed by other agencies. Other traveling issues include movement and stor-
age of medical devices (e.g., wheelchair, ventilator, backup batteries, oxygen, suc-
tioning devices), personal traveling companion, availability of electricity in flight,
and a backup ventilator at the destination. This section reviews the issues related to
portable ventilators while traveling by air.

Characteristics of Portable Ventilators

There are many portable ventilators capable of providing mechanical ventilation
Capability, battery away from home. Obviously, the most important feature is that the portable ven-
life, weight, dimensions,
and alarms of the portable tilator can provide the modes and settings to suit the patient’s needs. Battery
ventilator are crucial factors in life, weight, dimensions, and alarms of the portable ventilator are other crucial
making a travel plan.
factors in making a travel plan. Table 18-12 shows the features of four portable
ventilators.

Traveling in the United States

Prior to making travel plans, the traveler should obtain from the physician a per-
mission verifying that the person is fit to travel based on the current medical con-
dition. Travel arrangements should also be made with the medical care team and
home care agency at the destination in the event that such services become neces-
sary. Extra supplies should be available in flight.
Advance planning is a necessity for using a ventilator in flight. The initial contacts
with the commercial airline typically involve the reservation agent and customer
representative. It is important to emphasize to these contact persons that a portable
It is important to em- ventilator is different from portable oxygen. The person making the flight reserva-
phasize to the airline contact
persons that a portable tion should be able to provide the medical “approval to travel,” detailed technical
ventilator is different from specifications of the ventilator, and the contact information of the ventilator manu-
portable oxygen.
facturer. The airline engineering and medical departments may need this informa-
tion for the approval process.
Use of the airplane’s electrical connection is at the discretion of the airline, since
the FAA does not require the airline to provide this crucial service. The ventilator
The FAA does not require and extra battery packs must fit under the seat. If the ventilator does not fit under
the airline to provide electrical
connection for the portable the seat, the ventilator user may hold the ventilator or purchase another seat. The
ventilator. The traveler should traveler should be able to maneuver about the aircraft with minimal assistance from
bring extra battery packs.
the flight attendant or passenger assistant. A personal traveling companion may be
required if the traveler needs a higher level of service (e.g., is wheelchair-dependent)
and medical support (e.g., needs IV medication or fluid administration, endotra-
cheal suctioning).
For users who do not require continuous ventilation (e.g., nocturnal use of BiPAP for
obstructive sleep apnea), the noninvasive ventilator may be packed as a carry-on item.
It should not be checked in as a luggage due to the delicate nature of the ventilator.
The FAA requires all airlines to provide a Complaints Resolution Officer at all
times to resolve any disagreements between the carrier and passengers. For complete
rules and regulations, visit the Accessible Journeys (www.accessiblejourneys.com) or

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