My most recent Dominican Republic adventure left me a little worse for the wear. After an amazing day walking the caves and swimming in the river at Los Haitises National Park, a sharp rivet on our boat had it out for me. I ended up in the ER, with 7 stitches in my left calf. Luckily, Jodi Ettenberg of Legal Nomads, no stranger to illness on the road, was prepared for an emergency with a first aid kit. Without her, I would have been in the middle of nowhere with a cut exposed to the elements. While travel safety is not the most exciting planning activity, there are definite steps you should take before, during and after a trip.
- Before leaving, spend a few minutes refilling or putting together a basic first aid kit:
- Antiseptic
- Gauze
- Small scissors
- Medical tape
- Hand sanitizer and/or latex gloves
- Band-aids
- Bite and sting treatment (Epi-pen, Benadryl)
- Aspirin
- A list of any allergies to medication and any medications you’re currently taking (include the active ingredient as well as the brand name)
- A watertight bag for everything above
Usually, these essentials will get you through until you can make it to a medical facility. When traveling a bit more off the beaten path or for longer periods of time, consider expanding your kit to include items such as cold/cough and prescription medicines, syringes, probiotics, SteriPEN and Temparin (a quick fix for a broken tooth/filling).
- Research travel insurance. The small cost of travel insurance – usually $60 – $300 – pays for itself immediately if you require medical attention. Unfortunately, I didn’t have travel insurance and my ER bill was over $600. In more developed countries, that number could easily climb into the thousands. World Nomads provides instant quotes and customizable plans for travelers so there’s really no excuse to be uninsured.
- If you do get hurt, stay calm. Panicking and/or hysterics will only escalate the issue and make anyone that’s trying to help you nervous and frazzled.
- If you don’t speak the language, try to find someone to translate between you and the doctors. While a bloody gash speaks for itself, an internal injury or head trauma requires more detailed explanation.
- When you get home, make an appointment with your primary care physician. This step isn’t necessary for every injury but serves as a good follow-up to alleviate any concern about infections or abnormalities.
Before your next excursion, take a few minutes to check yourself and your supplies. Accidents happen – no matter how careful you are – but preparedness is invaluable.
Have you ever injured yourself or been sick while traveling?
Sidebar: Yes, I know I look like I’m 14 years old in that photo. No, I am not actually 14.
(Photo credit: Jorge Santiago)