Many of the same steps taken in everyday life can be applied to your travel and outdoor activities. Below are listed both the general planning for emergency tips and also how the same information applies to travel. Weather you are Bike Touring in the Dolomites or Rock Climbing in Sicily you need to ensure you have considered the following.
MEDICAL CHART
One of the first things you should do is fill in, for each family member, the medical chart provided. The chart provides medical information you and doctors or paramedics need in an emergency, such as allergies and immunization dates. There is also a place for important emergency telephone numbers in the front of the book. Fill these out now, before you forget.
You can make a copy of the chart and data to be carried with you on an excursion or travel destination. Research the local area you are traveling to in order to find the emergency numbers for that specific area.
KNOW THE ROUTE TO THE HOSPITAL
Know the best route to the nearest hospital emergency room. If an ambulance or paramedic team is not available, you may have to drive yourself or a victim to the hospital. It is a good idea to make a practice run so that the roads will be familiar to you at the time of an emergency. Wrong turns can take precious minutes and could mean the difference between life and death.
This is something your tour provider does for you while on vacation, in fact a great way to help you decide on a service provider is to ask about their emergency plan, good company's will have the data handy. If you are traveling on your own make sure you know the general EMS (emergency medical system) for the area you are traveling.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL IDENTIFICATION
Wearing an emergency ID bracelet or necklace or carrying an emergency information card could save the life of someone who is unable to speak after a serious accident. This medical identification is particularly important for one who suffers from a serious condition such as diabetes, epilepsy, glaucoma, or hemophilia, or who may have a serious allergic reaction to certain medications (such as penicillin) or to insect stings.
These bracelets, necklaces, and cards include such information as the individual's name, address, blood type, and any serious conditions or allergies. They should be worn or carried at all times. A bracelet or necklace is generally better than a card since it is more easily noticed on the victim. These items are available through several manufacturers. Ask your doctor, hospital emergency room, or local medical association where you might order them.
In the meantime, you can make your own card. Include your name, address, telephone number, name and telephone number of a relative to contact, your doctor's name and number, your immunization dates, any serious medical conditions, medication taken regularly, allergies, and any other important information. Be sure the card is prominently displayed in your purse or wallet.