Emergencies can arise at anytime and anywhere. While at home many of us may feel we would know what to do if an emergency occurred, when you’re travelling and outside your usual environment situations can become much more challenging to handle. To help prepare you for anything that may arise, we’ve put together five helpful tips to keep in mind before your next trip.
Have your “ICE” information ready
ICE stands for “in case of emergency” which provides paramedics and doctors with information on who to call if you are in an emergency situation. Storing this info on your phone or in an app is a great way to make sure you always have the information on you. If you’re travelling with family, friends or colleagues it is a good idea to share your ICE information with each other.
Keep your medical information on hand
If you do encounter a medical emergency while travelling, having an easily accessible list of your current medications that includes dose and instructions can be extremely helpful for paramedics and other medical staff who will register your treatment. Try to have this information located in an easy to find spot, such as inside your wallet or take a photo of your medication on your phone so that there is a visual reference to it.
Stay up to date with first aid
The response time in first aid incidents is often critical, with many acute illnesses and injuries requiring immediate care. By completing first aid training, you will empower yourself with the skills and knowledge to be able to assess and respond quickly and efficiently in an emergency – which can sometimes make all the difference.
Know when to call for an ambulance
When an incident unfolds, it might not always be obvious if you should call for an ambulance. It’s important to know you should only call an ambulance in the case of a medical emergency. Chest pains, breathing difficulties, uncontrollable bleeding, severe burns or unconsciousness are examples of a medical emergency that should be treated by medical professionals. This however is only a guide, and if you are unsure whether another person is in need of an ambulance you should call the emergency services.
Contact us at your earliest convenience
We are available 24/7 to help our customers, no matter where they are in the world. While emergencies often mean you need local help urgently, once the initial situation is addressed we can help manage any language barriers you may be facing, ensure your medical costs are covered by your policy as well as organise any transportation or other support you may need. Keep our phone number close or download our app to make contacting us even easier.
While you might hope to never use it, it’s important to think about what you need to do if an emergency occurs – particularly when travelling. Having your ICE and medical information on hand, keeping up to date with first aid procedures and knowing when and how to contact services when you need them can be essential to managing an emergency if it arises. Following our tips above will help keep you and your fellow travellers safe.
References
1. https://www.rd.com/health/wellness/handle-medical-emergency/8/