Expat World - Tagum Information Network

A FAMILY MEDICAL MEDICAL EMERGENCY PLAN COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE, ESPECIALLY IN THE PHILIPPINES

Very often expats  live in remote areas without emergency services. There may be no effective 911 to call or ambulances coming to the rescue.. The burden will likely fall to your wife, to your friends and to your ability to exercise good forethought and planning.

PLAN FOR YOUR EMERGENCIES BUT KEEP YOUR PLAN SIMPLE AND ORGANIZED

The first step in planning for a health emergency is to be  aware of the warning signs associated with your health conditions. Be sure to include your wife and immediate family in the planning stages. Saving seconds could save your life. In the Philippines you MUST plan ahead.

Be prepared for “A Medical Emergency”  by recognizing  warning signs and exercising foresight..

Have a Family Medical Emergency Plan in your house in a place where everyone can access it. 

Your emergency plan should incorporate the following suggestions:

IN THE EVENT OF SUDDEN ILLNESS

1. What hospital will you go to ?

2. What doctor will you list as your physician ?

3. How will you get there? Does anyone in the home have a license to drive?

4. Do you need to make arrangements with a friend to transport you to the hospital?

NOTE:

For events like a heart attack you have a single hour to get to the hospital for care.. Plan your transportation accordingly.. Speed is of the essence.. Select a person close to your home and someone who is dependable to ask to be your emergency contact.. Have a #1 contact and #2 contact.

Your wife should know what to do for you should an emergency present itself.

1. What meds should she give you?

2. Know procedures to provide comfort until help arrives ie pillow, fan to help breathing, etc. Consult your Doctor for advise that applies specifically to you and or your spouse..

3. What are your medical conditions ?  i.e.    heart condition, diabetes, thyroid, gallbladder, etc…

4. VERY IMPORTANT      Make a list of  your medications for the  emergency room Doctor. Keep this updated as medications change.. 

5. VERY IMPORTANT      Always have your "Expat World Medical I.D. Card" in  your  wallet  to  give  to  your  physician  at  the hospital.

6. Have a first Aide kit in your home…Have a designated place for it so you will know where it is at all times.  Include the following in  your first-aid kit:  first-aid manual,   sterile gauze pads of different sizes.   adhesive tape.   adhesive bandages in several sizes.   elastic bandage.   a splint.   antiseptic wipes.   soap.    Also for your specific condition you may want to also include items like an emergency inhaler, emergency sublingual heart medication etc. Consult with your doctor about these special items.

7. Know where to access all of your insurance information.

Preparation For "After Care"

Examples….

1.  Will you need extra help when the person comes home from the hospital..     Who will that be?        Do you have their contact information?

2.  Family members abroad sometimes get very worried if regular contact is not made. Do you have a list of names and numbers to call in case of emergency?

Identify and list all family members , who live abroad and list their phone numbers .   Be  sure you have a calling card or appropriate service for emergency, International calling.. 

Share your specific information with all of your family members and include pertinent materials in your Family Medical Emergency Plan.  Designate who in your household will do certain tasks in the event of a medical emergency.

In a state of emergency it is difficult for many to think clearly. With a simple Emergency Plan no one has to think or remember anything;  like who to call or where phone numbers are.  

 Just pick up the sheet and make your phone calls . No one has to think or remember anything at the emergency room either. Just give the sheet and your medical card to the doctor and it will contain 95% of all information needed..

Always be safe and be a good planner.

C. Gilman Jones       Executive Director