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Some rare diseases that require treatment by specialists may
be tricky to manage for practitioners who are unfamiliar with
them. Ask your doctor to prepare instructions for emergency
management of your condition so you are prepared for any
complications that may occur. If there is a significant risk of
an exacerbation of the condition, have an honest discussion
with your physician about your medical fitness for a particular
trip. It’s possible that certain destinations might not be
recommended due to their remoteness, but other, more
popular, ones might be appropriate.
Consider getting training in wilderness first aid. With
training, your preparation, decisions and judgment will
improve. Since most people travel with their friends or family
members, the well-being of your traveling companions may be
a powerful motivator for seeking training.
EmErgEncy rEsponsE
In the event of a serious illness or injury, contact local emergency
services first if they are available and you have the means to
reach them. Then call DAN at +1-919-684-9111. DAN medical
staff will monitor your care, answer questions and, if you are a
DANMember, arrange for you to be moved to a better hospital
if necessary. This may mean returning to your home country or
traveling to a more populous area near your location.
Evacuation takes time; there are many logistical elements
to medical transport. Air ambulances are not generally able
to take off at a moment’s notice. They must work with local
authorities to obtain landing permits, exit visas and other
documentation before moving patients. Immigration must
be cleared in the destination country. The process may be
expedited in a medical emergency, but it still must take
place. Sometimes the patient will need to be transported
to a larger airstrip so an air ambulance may safely land and
take off. Immediate flights are not always possible at night or
outside normal hours of operation; some airports close and
will not open after hours even for medical emergencies.
Consider the logistical challenges imposed by remote
environments before you set out, and you will be better
prepared to provide care and comfort to your fellow travelers.
LEARN MORE
If you enjoy remote travel or extended expeditions, consider getting
trained in wilderness or remote medicine. The Wilderness Medicine
Institute offers Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness First Responder and
Wilderness EMT courses. Find out more at www.nols.edu/wmi.
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