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Do
you know which medicines you should take with you on your
travels?
By
accessing the interactive part of this web site you can obtain
a list of all the medicines necessary for your trip.
Whether you are going on a holiday to a beach resort or a
full blown expedition to some remote location.
However
long you will be away or however many people will be in your
group, wherever you are going and whatever you are doing,
you can obtain your own customised list.
To access this special service:-
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Member
of the
British Travel Health
Association
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Do
you know which medicines you should take with you on your
travels?
By
accessing the interactive part of this web site you can obtain
a list of all the medicines necessary for your trip.
Whether you are going on a holiday to a beach resort or a
full blown expedition to some remote location.
However
long you will be away or however many people will be in your
group, wherever you are going and whatever you are doing,
you can obtain your own customised list.
To access this special service:-
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Accidents
& Hazards |
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Accidents
and injuries account for a significant number of health
problems for travellers abroad.
Most deaths in travellers relate to what they do rather
than what they catch.
Up to a third of all reported medical cases are due to
avoidable accidents.
All travellers should take out health insurance to cover
accidents as well as illness and should check that emergency
repatriation expenses are covered. |
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| Accidents
commonly occur on the roads, when swimming and during
sporting activities such as skiing, climbing, rafting,
cycling, etc. |
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ALCOHOL
& DRUGS
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 The
risk of an accident occurring is exacerbated by alcohol.
It is easy to drink too much alcohol in a hot climate.
Locally brewed drinks are often stronger than one might
expect.
 The
possession of illicit drugs in some countries carries
very severe penalties including the death penalty.
Don't be tempted, it's not worth it. |
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A sense of excitement induced by travel to exotic locations
may lead to normal safety precautions being overlooked. This
is exacerbated by alcohol.
Being aware of any possible risks and avoiding predictable
injury should always be the traveller's first priority.
 Hotels
in some countries may be built to poor standards and have
inadequate fire escapes. You should always check to see where
the emergency exits (if any) are located. Gas and electrical
appliances may in a dangerous condition. Balconies and staircases
may be unsafe.
Fire is a significant cause of death
and injury abroad. In many countries, fire regulations are slack
or non existent. Never smoke in bed and ensure that cigarettes
are properly extinguished. Remember, smoke inhalation can also
be fatal and the best way to avoid it is to crawl low under
the smoke.
 PERSONAL
SECURITY
To
reduce any risk of mugging travel in groups, avoid remote
areas after dark, use a torch, keep on the move, carry an alarm
or an anti-personnel spray (may be illegal in some countries),
wear modest clothing, do not display wealth.
Many areas are not safe to wander around at night, including
those that look safe by daylight. While driving consider locking
your car doors at stopping points especially at night in isolated
areas.
Be aware of political unrest. Up to date information
is available from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on line.
Do not rely on information from local residents.
In some countries, producing cameras, tape recorders
etc. in sensitive areas such as near airports and railway stations
can result in arrest on suspicion of spying.
 ROAD
SAFETY
Road
accidents are responsible for more deaths amongst tourists
than any of the diseases mentioned on this site.
When crossing the road remember the traffic may come
from the opposite direction to the one in your home country.
Drivers in many countries do not observe pedestrian crossings
or traffic signals.
e.g. in Bangkok you are likely to be run
over on a zebra crossing if you treat it like you would in the
UK and expect the traffic to stop for you.
TRANSPORT
Whilst
receiving wide publicity, accidents in the air and on ships
are extremely rare. Some airlines are safer than others (published
data available). Ferries in developing countries are often overcrowded
and carry inadequate safety equipment.
 Trains
and buses are often overcrowded. You should think twice
about taking an overloaded up-country bus and avoid local habits
like travelling on the roofs of trains and busses and jumping
on and off while they are moving.
Motor vehicles may be poorly maintained. Check over any
hire vehicle very carefully for mechanical defects especially
brakes and tyres.
When you are driving, always wear a safety belt, strictly
observe speed limits, traffic lights and signs. Never drink
and drive.
Local drivers may not observe traffic rules but you always
should. Remember, in some countries they drive on the right,
it is easy to forget.
Be very careful on potholed and non-tarmacadamed 'dust'
roads which can become badly eroded from continual exposure
to the elements.
Scooters and motorcycles are frequently unstable on poorly
maintained roads and those riding have very little protection
in the event of an accident. Always wear a safety helmet.
 WATER
HAZARDS
Alcohol
and swimming do not mix!
Beware of fast moving tides and currents, especially the
undertow from waves in deep water where even strong swimmers
may find it difficult to get back to the shore.
Avoid swimming alone. Swim in approved places when there
is a beach patrol or lifeguard service. Always wear proper life
jackets when taking part in certain types of watersports like
sailing, windsurfing, canoeing etc. Sunburn is common and may
be unexpected since the swimmer is kept cool by the water.
 Avoid
using airbeds or inflatable dinghies in the sea. If there
is an offshore wind they can easily been blown a long distance
off shore. If this happens the scenario is often panic, jumping
off, exhaustion and hypothermia. Invariably it is better to
stay 'aboard', try to attract attention and await rescue.
Water is the home of some very dangerous creatures like
crocodiles, hippos and sharks. Sea creatures like urchins, jellyfish,
molluscs or fish may be unexpectedly venomous. Be aware of local
dangers.
 Do
not swim immediately after a big meal when cramp is more
likely to occur. Low water temperature can induce hypothermia.
This can be rapidly fatal - within minutes.
Both the sea and inland deep water lakes may be very
cold even during hot summer months.
Visibly dirty recreational water in pools, lakes and rivers
especially in the tropics should be avoided. There is always
a danger of contracting water borne diseases like shistosomiasis
or leptospirosis in these areas.
Foot injuries on beaches are common in those not wearing
shoes.
 OUTDOOR
ACTIVITIES
Pursuits
such as scuba diving, mountain climbing, white water rafting
and hang gliding can be dangerous in unfamiliar surroundings.
Additional insurance may be required for these and similar activities.
Get physically fit in advance of your trip. Do not be
over ambitious - make sure you are fully trained for the degree
of skill required.
 Avoid
excessive fatigue - accidents often occur before lunch and
in the evening. Keep
up your carbohydrate and fluid intake.
If you are travelling in mountainous areas become familiar
with the terrain and the hazards involved, including avalanche
potential. Use
guide books and local maps when available. Observe adverse weather
warnings.
Do not 'economise'
on protective clothing, boots and safety equipment.
In snow conditions
watch out for skiers and snowboarders. It is your responsibility
to avoid skiers in front of you.
 Consider
helmets for younger skiers and snowboarders.
Skiers should learn to fall correctly and to release
your ski stick before it causes skiers thumb!
Serious
injuries
that may require a blood transfusion can be of concern where
HIV screening of blood products is not universal.
Skin injuries can lead to tetanus and therefore, ten
yearly boosters of tetanus toxoid are advised before travelling
to many countries. |
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