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Emergency! Seven ways to be prepared for a health problem when you travel
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How to handle an emergency when you travel
Kate had slept the majority of her 12-hour flight from Seoul to Los Angeles in the same seated position, her legs tucked beneath her. With only two more hours before landing, she awoke to a feeling of extreme discomfort.
Although this road warrior knew she could use a good stretch, after looking around she decided to stay put. The aisles were filled with other folks who had had the same idea and were milling around. Plus, she did not want to climb over her two, stretched-out aisle mates. It was just too much trouble.
When the plane finally touched down, Kate stood up, reached into the overhead bin and felt a tremendous loss of breath. As the moments passed, her condition worsened. Soon, she was obviously gasping for air.
Noting her distress, a flight attendant immediately came to her aid. She made a quick call, pushed through the crowd and then cleared a path for Kate to a wheelchair waiting at the door of the plane. From there, the patient was rushed through U.S. Customs to a waiting ambulance that was immediately dispatched to a nearby hospital.
The diagnosis?
Kate had experienced a pulmonary embolism. Blood had clotted in one of her arteries, which consequently blocked the blood flow to one of her lungs.
Because of these unfortunate clots, Kate was told that her blood oxygen level as well as her blood pressure had dropped dangerously low. At the hospital, she was administered a miracle clot-busting drug. The doctors told her that thanks to that medicine and the quick reaction of her savvy flight attendant, Kate's life had been saved.
Still, this avid traveler suffers. Kate has been prescribed blood thinners for six months. Because of this medication, her clotting ability is compromised so any potential scratch or cut can be life-threatening.
In addition, since that initial attack a month ago, Kate has suffered from pneumonia and has spent 10 days in the hospital. Today, she still feels tired and weak, and is unsure when she will return to work.
During her initial treatment, Kate was told that pulmonary embolisms often originate in one of the legs due to lack of circulation from sitting for long periods of time. Apparently, if Kate had carried through on her thoughts to take a walk around the plane, this simple action may have alleviated her whole ordeal.
That said, following are some preventative health tips and safety ideas for all travelers offered by Dr. Allan Korn, chief medical officer for the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
!. Pack a supply of your normal medications in their original containers.
2. Wear a medical information bracelet if needed.
3. Drink water from sealed bottles.
4. Wash hands often with soap and water.
5. Pack a small first-aid kid that includes diarrhea and upset stomach medicines, cough and cold medicines, pain medicines, decongestants, bandages, a sewing kit, scissors, tweezers, nail clippers, safety pins and a thermometer.
6. Check with your health insurer regarding international coverage.
7. Be sure to take along your health-insurance card along with your passport and other important documents.
For help with travel emergencies abroad, contact the State Department (for information, cllick here).
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