Amputee Travel Toolkit

• Carry out a prosthesis M.O.T. before you travel– Check your child’s prosthesis for signs of damage or deterioration. 
• Prosthetic Repairs– call your limb centre in the UK for advice on the nearest NHS prosthetic facility or Private Clinic. 
• Insurance – travel insurance to include prosthesis or wheelchair 

• Booking your Flight– ask for priority seating for people with a disability. bulkhead seating has more leg room. 
• Book assistance in advance 
• Airport Security–The inspection should be respectful, stay close by when the inspection is taking place. Ask for a private room or for searches to be done by someone of your child’s gender. 
• During the Flight–the residual limb my swell and your child may have difficulty putting the prosthesis back on. Use the drop-down table for support and put back on with time to spare before the flight lands. 
• Make sure your child drinks water to avoid dehydration. 
• Wear comfortable and loose clothing It is also advisable to wear slip on shoes so that your child can take them off easily if required to do so. 

• Hotel – wheelchair-accessible room. close to the elevators. 
• Transport to the hotel– secured transport to your accommodation before you leave the UK. 
• Check location accessibility– doors, taxi or coach

• Volume Change – humidity or activity levels can lead to increased perspirationand changes in air conditions, routine and diet can change the volume of your child’s residual limb and cause problems with their prosthetic fit. 
• Temperature – Some functions and features of a prosthesis will alter dependent on the ambient temperature.Hydraulic and Pneumatic cylinders in particular function slightly differently and electronics may not function below certain temperatures. 
• Sun Exposure– keep prosthesis away from direct sun exposure as some plastics can oxidize making them brittle, or soft and spongy causing them to deform. find a cool place to take a break before any damage occurs to your child’s residual limb. Also, metal components can become very hot. 

• Sand and Debris– avoid getting bits of sand or dirt the pin lock mechanism. don’t be tempted to wash the prosthesis, wipe it down with anti-bacterial wipes and use a dry paint brush to get at crevasse. 
• Water exposure– Is your child’s prosthesis water-proof? Wrap the foot if it is going get splashed with water. Waterproof bags you can buy (Designed to cover casts) that can be used. Do not submerge. 
• Hygiene – clean your child’s prosthetic socket, sleeve, liner and foot shell with mild, unscented soap or antibacterial soap before you go. Take your usual soap/cleanser that you use at home. 

Travel Kit – These items can fit inside a regular rucksack or you can keep them in the car. 

• Universal Allen Key/Bicycle Multitool in case a screw or bolt comes loose. 
• Shoe-horn for changing shoes or cleaning your foot shell on the beach. 
• Decanter liner lubrication spray into travel size spray bottle 
• Plastic bag for pulling boots on or if you don’t have a waterproof foot. 
• Travel size microfiber towel to dry your residual limb and liner after sweating. 
• Small roll of Gaffer Tape or Duct Tape to deal with breaks and crack NOTE this is a short-term fix and the equipment needs to be serviced, repaired or replaced ASAP. 
• Small first aid kit including skin Dressings and blister plasters. 
• Medications keep a back-up supply in your hand baggage in case you lose your luggage. Take prescription/medication in its original packaging and/or a printed copy of your prescription. 
• Anti-perspirants sprays, roll-ons or creams for controlling sweating. 
• Creams and Lotions to keep your skin moisturised and prevent skin breakdowns, 
• Antibacterial wipes to clean your socket, liners and suspension sleeves especially in warm climates 
• Extra stump socks of different thickness or liners – Stump Shriner socks to combat swelling during flights and additional activities. 
• Take crutches as many hotels and guest houses do not have baths and many showers have lips. 
• Small dry paint brush to remove sand and debris. 
• Fold Up Step or stool for use in the shower. 
• Important numbers sheet including Doctor and Prosthetist. 
• If you have a Micro Processor Knee or Ankle pack a spare chargerin your hand luggage. 

These items are for a temporary fix. You must see your prosthetist as soon as possible as all repairs must be done by your prosthetist.