Jeff Gulleson

Handling Emergencies in Foreign Countries

Unfortunately accidents do happen on international holidays. It is particularly difficult to watch your children suffer. When they do, here are a few tips to help keep you focused and helpful.

It's a hot day in Morocco, where you are traveling, so the children are jumping in and out of the pool. You hear your child scream. You race over to find your son's wrist hanging rather crookedly. You guess it's broken. You're not in Montana any more, so what do you do?

Be calm.

Parents know this, of course, but it is imperative when you have an emergency in a country not your own.      

Know how to give first aid.

There are no paramedics in many developing nations. So knowing how to administer first aid is absolutely vital for both visitors and residents. Many communities in the United States have safety councils that offer first aid and CPR classes free. If enough employees are interested, some employers will arrange classes. These measures are very do-able and can save lives.

Find a person to assist you.

If you are staying at a place catering to Westerners, the staff should be able to help you find an English-speaking doctor. Even if you know some of the language, it's important to have good communication with emergency and medical professionals in an emergency.

If the staff can't help you, locate other expatriates who might be living in the area. Even if they're from Holland, they often are more than willing to help. After all, they've probably been in the same predicament themselves.     

Determine what documents you will need for your insurance company.

Ascertaining what your insurance covers in the case of a foreign emergency should be something you figure out before your trip. Additional trip or travel insurance can be bought to cover anything your regular insurance doesn't, as long as you do it before you take off.

Even if your insurance covers foreign claims, you will need a itemized bill from the doctor. However, most doctors' bills are written in their local language. While that seems understandable, insurance companies usually don't have translation services available for claims. See if the provider can write it in both English and the national language or at least help you write a translation. Make sure to get helpful contact information so you are able to reach him with any questions the insurance company asks you. You will also need a copy of any images, such as x-rays, that he may have taken.

Go prepared.  When something unwanted occurs, you will be glad you took the time to prepare yourself. Be intentional about safety.

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