How to prepare for medical emergencies while on Safari -Air Ambulance Medical evacuation
How to prepare for medical emergencies while on Safari -Air Ambulance Medical evacuation
You have booked your safari and you are ready to pack your luggage in a few days for your long-awaited safari in Africa. Kenya is the safari capital; so you plan to land in Nairobi first.
To prepare effectively for a medical emergency while visiting Kenya as a tourist, it’s essential to follow these detailed steps:
1. Purchase Travel Medical Insurance: Obtain comprehensive travel medical insurance that covers medical treatment expenses and evacuation in case of an emergency. Ensure the policy is valid in Kenya.
2. Get Vaccinated: Prioritize vaccinations against preventable diseases like yellow fever, cholera, typhoid, hepatitis A and B. Depending on your travel itinerary, consider additional vaccinations for diseases like malaria and Japanese encephalitis.
3. Pack a First-Aid Kit: Confirm with the safari operator that they have a well-equipped first aid kit. Most reputable tour operators/Safari companies have first-aid kids in their safari vehicles. Also, the hotels have first kits in case of health emergencies or injury. Don’t forget any specific medications required for any chronic health conditions you have.
4. Copy Medical Records and Insurance Information: Make copies of your medical records and insurance documents. Keep these duplicates with you at all times in case of an emergency.
5. Sign up for air evacuation service /Medevac : The tourist circuit is mainly in remote areas of Kenya where the nearest hospital may not be well equipped to handle an emergency. Air evacuation companies like Amref Flying Doctors Maisha’s subscription guarantees you an air ambulance service to Nairobi for treatment.
Additional Tips:
– **Awareness of Health Risks**: Recognize that Kenya is a tropical country with health risks such as malaria, yellow fever, and cholera. Stay informed about these risks and take necessary precautions.
– **Awareness of Health Risks**: Take your meals and water from reputable hotels or restaurants to avoid food poisoning.