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» Rail Travel and Deep Vein Thrombosis
» New South Wales Trains
» Queensland Trains
» Transcontinental Trains
Rail Travel and Deep Vein Thrombosis
What is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?
Deep Vein Thrombosis is essentially the clotting of blood in the deep vein within the lower leg. Under normal conditions, especially with activity, the soleus muscle in the calf contributes to the circulation of blood through the body. But during periods of long inactivity, there is a possibility that blood flow through the legs can be slowed and clotting may occur - it is this clotting which is referred to as Deep Vein Thrombosis.
Immediate symptoms may include swelling and tenderness in the lower leg or calf.
When this thrombosis is dislodged (which may happen at the time it occurs or even weeks later), the clot or pieces of it can move through the body to the lungs and cause obstruction in an artery.
If the obstruction is large enough, this can result in anything from minor pain to the chest to severe shortness of breath. Even though the condition is relatively rare, it can be fatal.
How might DVT affect Long Distance Rail Travel?
Traveltrain Holidays cares about our passengers safety and comfort travelling on board our trains. The following information includes some recommended guidelines that passengers can follow to improve their comfort level during a long-distance rail journey. When compared to rail travel the very dry air in aeroplanes tends to increase dehydration, while the close seating, the use of the seat belt, and the instruction to passengers to remain seated, all serve to reduce passenger mobility. We hope this information will help you have a more pleasant journey.
Medical research indicates that the following personal factors may singularly or in combination increase the risk of DVT:
- Recent surgery or injury, especially to the lower limbs or abdomen
- Smoking
- Personal or family history of heart attack and/or strokes
- Varicose Veins
- High Blood Cholesterol
- Obesity
- Dehydration
- Pregnancy
- Oestrogen Hormone Therapy; or
- Oral Contraceptive Usage
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The risk may also increase with age, especially those over forty years of age. If you are concerned about your health, it may be advisable to seek medical advice before undertaking long journeys.
How to Reduce the Risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Whether or not the risk factors in this leaflet apply to you personally, QR recommends the following precautions during long periods of rail travel.
They might also simply make your journey a more comfortable one.
- Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing
Avoid girdles and stocking or socks with tight elastic (specialised anti-clotting stockings as used in hospitals can help prevent the development of DVT). - Avoid Dehydration
Drink at least 250mls (a medium sized glass) of water every hour. Avoid excess coffee, tea and alcohol, which actually increase dehydration. - Exercise
Get out of your seat and walk up and down the aisle periodically (when it is safe to do so).
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If leaving your seat is not an option, there are simple exercises which can be done whilst seated which may help to stretch muscle groups and increase the body's blood circulation while sitting. (Please try not to disturb other passengers - and do not perform the exercises if they cause pain).
| Ankle Circles: | |  | Lift heel off the floor. Draw imaginary circles with the toes, moving feet in opposite directions for 15 seconds. Then reverse the directions. Repeat as desired. | | Foot Pumps: | |  | Start with both heels on the floor, then point toes upwards as high as you can for 30 seconds. Return toes to floor so that feet are flat again. Now lift heels high, keeping balls of the feet on the floor for 30 seconds. Repeat as desired. | | Knee Lifts: | |  | Lift one leg, bending the knee whilst contracting the thigh muscle. Then repeat the action with your other leg. Repeat the action 20 - 30 times for each leg. | | Knee to Chest: | |  | Bend forward slightly. Clasp hands around left knee and hug it to your chest. Hold the stretch for 15 seconds. Keeping hands around the knee, slowly let it down. Alternate legs, repeat 10 times. | | Forward Flex: | |  | With both feet on the floor and stomach held in, slowly bend forward and walk your hands down the front of your legs toward your ankles. Hold stretch for 15 seconds and slowly sit back up. |
New South Wales Trains
Please note that if you require special assistance on board CountryLink services you will need to book your trip by calling 132 232 or visiting a CountryLink travel centre or agency rather than booking online. This way you can speak with one of our customer service representatives who will record your details and requirements pass your request on to the passenger attendants on your train.
People travelling with wheelchairs and scooters
We aim to take the special needs of all passengers into account. To this end, each service carries a special ramp to help customers in A80 design wheelchairs on and off trains. Each train also has one carriage with a toilet suitable for wheelchair access. You can arrange to be seated in this carriage when you make your reservation. Passengers with disabilities can ask CountryLink attendants to deliver meals or snacks from the buffet car to their seats.
If you have a wheelchair, collapsible wheelchair, motorised wheelchair or motorised scooter you can travel on a CountryLink train or coach service provided that the following specifications are met:
- you will need to be able to manoeuvre into a space of 700mm (width) x 1300mm (length) on CountryLink trains or 800mm x 1300mm on CountryLink coaches. Please note that CountryLink is unable to carry mobility aids wider than 700mm on any of our trains.
- you will need to be able to turn 180 degrees within a space of 2070mm x 1540mm.
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The other specifications that need to be met are detailed in Section 40.1 of the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport Guidelines 2004 (No.3) - Criteria for Mobility Aids and Disability Standards. Further information and a copy of guidelines is available through the Attorney-General's Department.
Please note: services between Broadmeadow and Taree, operated by Busways coaches, have no provisions for wheelchair bound passengers and passengers with motorised scooters.
People with other special needs
Ask buffet staff if you need to use the onboard nebuliser - you will need to provide your own medication, facemask, tubes and leads. While passengers on Xplorer services can use their own nebulisers (after seeking assistance from a CountryLink attendant) the power supply on XPTs is not suitable for this service.
Please tell our reservations staff about any special requirements when making your booking and remember to ask staff on both stations and trains if you need assistance.
Assistance animals
The only animals permitted on CountryLink services are those assisting disabled passengers or working with police or security personnel.
Guide dogs accompanying visually impaired passengers must wear identification medallions on their collars. Passengers with animals to assist with hearing or other disabilities must carry a current Hearing Dog Certificate or a Permit to Travel with an Assistance Animal. Hearing dog and assistance animal identification is available through RailCorp's passes and concessions office, ph: 1300 302 130.
Dogs accompanying disabled passengers travel for free and their handlers must have valid CountryLink tickets. Passengers travelling with assistance animals are solely responsible for the conduct, care, feeding and toileting of their animals while on trains and stations.
Queensland Trains
Queensland can be tranquil and captivating, however care must be taken in what can be a harsh environment.
Each QR Limited Traveltrain is fully equipped for these conditions and has extensive first aid kits on board as well as staff trained in first aid, should a medical incident occur. It is however the individuals responsibility to maintain a respect for this sometimes unforgiving landscape. It is essential that you take precautions against the elements by protecting yourself from the sun and dehydration by always carrying fresh water when exploring by foot.
Customer with Special Needs
Customers with special needs should contact our Reservations Centre on 1800 TRAINS(872 467) (or +617 3235 1133 if calling from overseas) to arrange your booking to ensure all necessary arrangements are made.
Guide and Assistance Dogs
Trained Guide and Assistance dogs accompanying people with disabilities are permitted on all QR Limited Traveltrain services. (Proof of animal training and medical certificates will need to be supplied before travel can be approved.)
Medical Conditions
If you have any pre-existing medical condition that may need special attention during your holiday please advise your travel consultant prior to booking.
Transcontinental Trains
Special Requirements
Guests that may have any specific needs or require special assistance at any time during their planned journey on board GSR's trains should contact Great Southern Railway directly on 13 21 47 (within Australia) or 61 +8 8213 4592 (outside Australia) to discuss or obtain further information on how we can make your journey more comfortable.
Most special dietary requirements can be accommodated. Please request when you make your booking.
Fitness For Travel Policy
Before making a reservation, you must advise Great Southern Railway if you are ill, injured or have a medical condition which may make it unsafe for you or other guests traveling on board our trains. Click here to download the full terms and conditions of Great Southern Railway’s Fitness For Travel Policy.
Obligation to Inform
Great Southern Railway staff will be pleased to assist you whilst you are on your journey, however we are unable to meet the needs of guests requiring regular medical attention, nor to act as carers during the journey.
Prior to making a reservation for travel on GSR services, it is the individual’s obligation to inform GSR of special assistance that may be required to board, disembark, and manoeuvre on the trains during the journey. You must also, prior to making a reservation with GSR, inform GSR if you have an illness, disease or other medical condition, including advanced, complicated or multiple pregnancy. In some circumstances, Great Southern Railway may require you to provide a medical certificate giving clearance for travel before we can permit you to board.
GSR may refuse to confirm your reservation, boarding or remove you from the train, without any liability on its part, if:
- you suffer from any illness, injury, disease or other medical condition which makes travel unsafe for
- you, other guests or employees;
- you are pregnant and have reached the 30th week of the pregnancy (an "advanced pregnancy");
- you have a complicated or multiple pregnancy;
- you have not complied with our medical requirements contained in our Fitness for Travel Policy in force and as amended from time to time;
- your mental or physical state is a danger or risk to you, the train or any other person on board;
- permitting you to board our trains and travel may put your safety or health in danger or at risk;
- permitting you to board our trains and travel may put other guests and employee’s safety or health in danger or at risk.
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