TIPS FOR TRAVELLING WITH A CHILD THAT HAS AN ADRENAL INSUFFICIENCY

  • Ensure the child has a medic alert bracelet and wears it at all times

  • Ensure your Emergency letter is up to date with the correct medication doses. If travelling to a country where English is not the first language, have the letter translated into the required language
  • Obtain travel insurance that covers pre-existing medical conditions

  • Obtain a letter from your doctor that states the medications your child is prescribed and any devices or medical equipment you child requires (eg syringes, needles) this will help to get you through customs and airport security

  • Take extra supplies of medications and current prescriptions. Always keep medications in your hand luggage
  • Have snacks and drinks with you at all times

  • Research local hospitals in the location that you will be staying or travelling. Ensure there is access to an Accident and Emergency Department nearby

  • Check that all medications and supplies are not going to expire during your trip

  • Ensure you have enough emergency hydrocortisone injection supplies (needles, syringes, alcohol swabs & vials of hydrocortisone). Keep the supplies together in a pack along with a copy of your emergency letter. This pack should be easily accessible and kept with the child at all times. It is worth putting together several packs and keeping one in a safe place at accommodation and having another that you can take with you.

  • If your child’s medication requires refrigeration check that your accommodation/transport has a refrigerator. If not ensure that you prepare but taking an esky or cold pack and that ice will be available to keep the medication cold. If travelling via aeroplane it is recommended that you do not use the plane’s refrigerator. It is best to take a cold pack or esky with ice packs to carry your child’s medication. If the ice packs begin to melt you can ask the flight attendants for ice in a plastic bag which will do the same thing as your ice packs.

  • Scan copies of all letters and scripts and email them to yourself in case something happens to the paper copies

  • Keep your local Endocrine Department’s daytime and afterhours phone number in your mobile phone or written somewhere handy so you can call for advice if required