Lots of people live with some sort of medical condition, some more serious than others. But having a medical challenge doesn’t always mean that you have to sit on the sidelines of life and watch it pass you by. In fact, if you’re an avid RV enthusiast and traveler – or even if you’re chomping at the bit to become one – there’s no reason that a medical condition should stop you from living the RV lifestyle. 

With some careful planning, you can embark on the RV trips you’ve always taken, or always wanted, without fear! 

Here are a few things you can do to travel in an RV when you have a medical condition:

Set a central location for supplies

Find a place in your RV where you can store and easily access all the supplies you need to manage your condition. Supplies may include medication, equipment, and even things like snacks for those who are diabetic. This area should be organized and anyone traveling with you should be made aware of this location and everything that’s in it. 

Create a list of medications

You may know exactly which medications you take each day, but does your spouse or travel partner? Maybe not. For this reason, you should create a list of your medications, including the names, what you take them for (e.g. high blood pressure), the dosage, and when you take them during the day. Give a copy of your list to your family members and loved ones, keep one posted somewhere in your RV, and always keep a copy in your wallet or purse. This can be invaluable information not only for family or friends who may be around you during a medical emergency, but also for first responders who may attend to you.

Build an emergency contact list

Similar to your medications list, create an emergency contact list with all of your doctors’ names and phone numbers. This list should also include the names and phone numbers of any other people who you would like to be notified in the event of an emergency. 

Keep record of your implanted medical devices

Write down the model numbers and dates of installation for all types of medical devices you may have had surgically placed, such as a pacemaker, heart valve, insulin pump, electrical stimulation system, or prosthetics. 

Know what to do in an emergency

Do you know what events might unfold if you do have experience an emergency related to your medical condition? Do your traveling companions know? If you know that accidentally eating peanuts will cause you to enter anaphylactic shock, then you should understand how to administer an epinephrine auto-injector properly and effectively. 

Have you traveled with a medical condition before? What things set you up for a successful trip? Let us know in the comments or contact us today!