Medical Evacuation

which side of the road to drive on, and plan ahead so you know the routes you’ll be taking. Most smartphones have GPS chips, and apps are available with preloaded maps that could be a great resource without needing to use an international cellular data plan.

The risks of a motor vehicle accident are likely greatest in developing nations due to poor road infrastructure, the disrepair of many vehicles, a modest culture of safety and limited or inaccessible medical care. Remote locations may not have local emergency medical services or a level of care sufficient to meet the needs of a seriously injured traveler. Screening of blood supplies and sterilization of instruments and needles may also be inadequate. Remote regions of the world have their appeal, but consider these drawbacks as you make your travel plans.

The most important action that travelers can take with motor vehicles is to wear seat belts in cars and helmets on motorcycles and scooters. They really do save lives.

BOAT TRAVEL

Marine travel involves some general hazards as well as ones specific to certain types of vessels, destinations and activities. The majority of seagoing travelers are aboard either large cruise ships or small recreational boats or liveaboards.

Cruise ships: Cruise ships have their own onboard health hazards independent of the destination, often providing extended exposure to other passengers and the crew, who have likely come from all parts of the world and may be carrying potentially communicable diseases. Outbreaks of COVID-19, chickenpox and rubella (German measles), for example, have occurred on cruise ships.

A common shipboard outbreak is vomiting and diarrhea caused by noroviruses. Respiratory infections and foodborne poisonings are also common as are lifestyle disorders due to dietary changes, overeating and excessive alcohol consumption.

Regardless of your itinerary, make sure you are up to date on all necessary or recommended vaccinations for diseases including but not limited to measles/mumps/rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, seasonal flu and pneumonia.

Cruise ship hazards that are related to being on a moving platform include motion sickness, falls that result in injuries and falls overboard that result in drowning.

If you are sick or injured while on a cruise ship, note the following:

• Tell a crew member as soon as possible. • Cruise ships usually have a small medical facility on board where your illness may be treated. • If your illness is serious, the medical staff may stabilize your condition and move you to a hospital on land for further treatment.

Medical evacuation at sea is complex, hazardous and expensive. Consider your health before you go on a cruise, and be sure to purchase insurance that covers medical evacuation, which is not covered by standard health insurance policies or Medicare.