The goal of the airlines is to provide their customers with safe and pleasurable travel. If there is a need for special assistance for those travelers who have medical concerns the airlines are happy to provide this assistance.

The goal of the airlines is to provide their customers with safe and pleasurable travel. If there is a need for special assistance for those travelers who have medical concerns the airlines are happy to provide this assistance.

In today's cost conscious world most people choose an airline for the cheap fares. If you have medical concerns you need to visit the airline's website to make sure their rules and procedures fit your medical needs. The following tips are to assist you in getting medical help on the airplane before you travel.

Oxygen

Not all airlines provide oxygen on their flights, if you are oxygen dependent and do not have the use of a Portable Oxygen Concentrator then you would not be able to travel on that particular airline. Visiting the website of the airline, before making your purchase, will educate you on what procedure is required for you to check-in for travel. Do you need a doctor's note? How many days in advance do you need a fit to travel letter and for what duration? Is there a fee to purchase the oxygen and how many days in advance is needed for it to be available for the flight? These are just some of the questions that should be answered on the website.

Portable Oxygen Concentrators

Some travelers, who are required to use oxygen, now use FAA approved Portable Oxygen Concentrators. The use of Portable Oxygen Concentrators onboard the aircraft are governed by specific FAA rules and requirements and need to be reviewed before making your purchase. The airline's website should have the required FAA information and Physician's Letter needed to travel with an approved FAA Portable Oxygen Concentrator. It is suggested the airline should be contacted and advised in advance when you are traveling with a Portable Oxygen Concentrator.

Wheelchair Assistance

Most airports provide wheelchair assistance for travelers. Some airlines have representatives whose soul responsibility is to transport persons in wheelchairs. This information is available on the website or by contacting the airport. Wheelchair assistance may be reserved in advance or requested at the time of check-in. Depending on the volume of travelers at the airport a gate pass may or may not be allowed for the person accompanying the traveler to the airport. Government issued identification (drivers license) is required to obtain a gate pass for the non-traveler.

If a customer is traveling with their personal manual or motorized wheelchair they should supply this information to the person taking the reservation or on the airline's website. The make and serial number of the wheelchair may be requested so have this information on hand when making the reservation. Manual wheelchairs may be carried on board but depending on airline policy it may be limited to one wheelchair and on a first come first served basis. This information should also be on the website or available when contacting the airline.

Medical Emergencies:

Health issues can pop up unexpectedly when traveling. Dealing with a medical emergency onboard an airplane can be especially precarious. The airlines flight crews are trained in First Aid and what to do in a medical emergency. The flight crew receives initial training when first hired and are required to complete recurrent training each year. From simple cuts to massive heart attacks you can be sure you will receive professional and efficient service. When the more extreme medical emergencies occur a person from the medical field will be requested to volunteer their assistance with the person who is ill. The pilot will also call for medical assistance via the radio and make an emergency landing if needed to ensure the safety and health of the customer.

The following tips will assist you in getting medical help onboard the airplane during flight:

At the first sign of not feeling well, feeling light headed, nauseous, not normal, alert the flight attendant and remain calm. Be prepared to provide all the medications you, or your traveling companion if they are the one ill, are taking for medical conditions and their side effects. Provide a brief history of how long you have had the condition and if the symptoms have recently occurred before the flight. Medical assistance will be requested and provided either from a volunteer from the passengers or from the medical link the Pilot has contacted to consult concerning your condition.

The knowledge and information in this article should help your travels on an airplane be safe and worry free even with medical concerns. Remember the airlines want you to have a pleasant experience. Following these tips on how to get help on an airplane should assist you in enjoying your flight.