One of the last things any of us wants to think about when traveling is becoming ill, especially to the point of needing medical attention. I’ve learned, through experience, to pack my own medical kit in my traveling bag, because in some places or situations, something as common as aspirin, Tylenol, Pepto-Bismol or Immodium can be difficult to obtain quickly.
But after a frightening episode that a friend went through, I learned that a simple medical kit might not be sufficient.
My friend’s husband suffered a heart attack while they were in Mombasa, Kenya about to leave for the bush and a seven-day safari. Fortunately, my friend—call her Jane—was well prepared.
For quite a few years, Jane been a member of the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers (IAMAT) . It’s purpose is to identify physicians practicing in countries throughout the world who have participated in internship and residency programs vetted by IAMAT, who speak English and who agree to a standard list of fees for their services. Through its website (www.iamat.org) and the documents it publishes, the organization advises travellers about health risks, the geographical distribution of diseases worldwide and immunization requirements for all countries. There is no charge for the organization's directory of English-speaking doctors nor for its advisory publications, however it does encourage donations to support its work.
Jane was able to contact a doctor in Mombasa who came to their hotel and immediately started the procedures needed to get Jeff, her husband, into a local hospital where he received emergency treatment.
After he had been stabilized, another of Jane’s precautionary steps came into play. Both Jane and the Mombasa cardiologist agreed that Jeff should be transported back to Canada for what would likely be bypass surgery. So Jane contacted MedJet Assist, which sent a medically equipped and staffed aircraft to transport Jeff to the hospital in Winnipeg where their own physician and his team were waiting. To use MedJet Assist’s services from virtually any location in the world, all that’s necessary is a membership— either annual or short-term. Their information is at www.medjetassist.com
Needless to say, I became a member of both organizations as soon as Jane told me of her experience, and I’ve continued to renew both every year. I haven’t had to use either one of them yet, and I hope never to have to. But I no longer think about how I’d handle a medical emergency if one were to occur while I was away from home. That peace of mind is worth a great deal.
Do you have any emergency preparedness experiences you care to share with our readers? If so, let us know about them.
Paula "Be prepared" Gifford