Getting Injured Abroad: 5 Tips

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.

1. 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).



2. 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.


3. 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.


4. 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.


5. 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)