(June 2008) -- Fifty respiratory patients from Spain had the chance of a lifetime recently when they took part in a whale-watching trip sponsored by Carburos Médica, our Healthcare business in Spain.

The aim of the trip, which also marked the 41st National Congress of the Spanish Society for Neumology and Thoracic surgery (SEPAR), was to show how portable oxygen can help patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) lead a normal life.

Leaving Tenerife in the Canary Islands, the cruise headed out into the Atlantic where patients and their helpers witnessed the unforgettable sight of whales in their natural environment. A team of medical specialists were on board to attend to the patients while technicians were on hand with portable oxygen equipment.

Doctor Ramón Fernández, respiratory physician from the Canaries University Hospital in Tenerife said, "The advances in oxygen therapy in recent years are making an enormous contribution to improving patients’ quality of life."

Inmaculata Ramos, medical director Carburos Médica added, "On this trip we wanted to demonstrate to everyone that it is possible to lead a near normal life while receiving oxygen therapy. We also wanted to raise awareness of the benefits of portable oxygen."

Following an enjoyable cruise, the patients returned to the Congress where they had the opportunity to attend educational seminars and to ask doctors and Carburos experts questions about oxygen therapy.

"This was a great experience for everyone involved," says Jorge Tapia, regional manager, Carburos Médica. "We had some good discussions with patients which will help us continually improve and develop our oxygen therapy service in the future."