| Emergency critical care is there to help you and | | | | When you plan a holiday to a foreign country the |
| your loved ones when you need it the most. It is | | | | last thing on your mind would be the possibility of |
| not something families usually think about until a | | | | falling seriously ill. If this did happen to you, would |
| member of their family is in that situation, but | | | | you know who to call? Would you be able to |
| being aware that it exists can provide some | | | | explain your illness to the medical staff? This can |
| comfort and knowledge, in the unfortunate event | | | | be extremely dangerous in cases where |
| that you or someone you know, ever need it. | | | | emergency critical care is needed. Every second |
| There are over hundreds of individuals who need | | | | that treatment is delayed, could result in the loss |
| medical assistance everyday and this round the | | | | of life. |
| clock intensive service is always on guard and | | | | A good provider should offer the following |
| ready to help. Although you may never know | | | | services: |
| when an accident or emergency is about to | | | | Emergency lines - Emergency lines that can be |
| happen, being prepared just in case, is extremely | | | | reached 24 hours a day |
| important, especially when you have a family to | | | | Ambulance transport – A well-equipped and |
| care for. | | | | reliable ambulance is a must when responding to |
| When you think of emergency critical care, your | | | | any emergency. |
| first thought may be intensive support that is | | | | Air ambulance - Air ambulances are commonly |
| provided by the medical staff in a hospital. Some | | | | used in locations where the traditional ambulance |
| people may not be aware of other services that | | | | can't reach. |
| exist to help you get there as quickly and safely | | | | Skilled staff - Every medical team needs to |
| as possible. | | | | consist of highly trained medical professionals. |
| There are specialised services that exist | | | | Long distance transport - Your critical care |
| throughout the world that are actually independent | | | | providershould also be able to provide long |
| of your local hospital. That being said, they are | | | | distance transport to both public and private |
| well trained in not only dealing with emergencies | | | | hospitals. |
| and transport by road ambulance and air | | | | Ability to communicate and liase – there are |
| ambulance, but also have many staff that are | | | | private companies that can liase with the local |
| multi-lingual. This is extremely crucial when it | | | | hospitals on your behalf. This is important when |
| comes to receiving the right type of medical | | | | you are in an unfamiliar country. |
| treatment for your illness when you are not able | | | | It is advisable to keep emergency numbers |
| to express yourself clearly and explain what the | | | | posted inside the house where they are highly |
| problem is, when you speak another language. If | | | | visible, and if possible, near telephones. When you |
| you ring an ambulance in an emergency because | | | | are travelling, keep the numbers in your luggage, |
| one of your parents has fallen seriously ill, imagine | | | | or in your pocket at all times. We don't choose to |
| being able to explain to medical staff what the | | | | fall victim to illness, most of the time it chooses |
| problem is, in your native language. | | | | us. |