"No turn is a wrong turn"
Some Thoughts on Medical Emergencies While Traveling
Our most recent visit to Germany, Austria and Switzerland was fun, as always, but an eye-opener!
Our trip was the last week in September and first
week in October, 2002, which are generally considered “after tourist season” in these areas. In fact, throughout
Switzerland most of the big cow bells have been removed from the necks of grazing cattle, and the locals are heaving
sighs of relief as absolute quiet once again comforts their restful nights.
But, back to Germany. We had just visited our favorite wood carver (see the previous Bill’s Backroads, German Wood Carving - Oberammergau) and were taking a back road down to Reutte, Austria nestled in the beautiful
Alps straight ahead. With no traffic in any direction, on clear roads in the middle of “nowhere,” we came upon
a bad auto wreck at a back roads intersection with full unobstructed view in all directions. Police had just arrived
and waved us through, but the badly damaged cars appeared both totaled. Injuries were unknown. Medical help was
fearfully far away.
Just minutes earlier, Suzie and I had been joking that “local drivers” were speeding around us on these narrow
two lane roads, in the rain and into oncoming traffic, and then just after passing us, stopping to turn onto another
road less than 300 yards in front of us. For drivers that seem to obey so many posted traffic signs and who seemed
so disciplined on autobahns, these locals seemed to “go nuts” driving the narrow back roads. Our joking now ceased
and our discussions touched on “what if’s in the event we had real medical emergencies” while on the trip.
Our wandering back road took us past a huge, beautiful lake (Plansee) on our way to Reutte. Along the way, we stopped
for a bowl of gulaschsuppe. We really enjoyed this favorite dish, especially while overlooking the lake from our
remote area. Back in the car and driving away, I noticed a major golf ball sized swelling under my left jaw. Although
there was no pain or other significant symptom, two concerns faced us. One, if it was an allergic response or food
poisoning or other problem of any danger, we were far from medical help, “in the middle of nowhere.” Two, we were
basically on our own to reach a town or area with medical facilities if it became obvious such were needed.
We drive into Reutte (approximately 10,000 population) with our main focus to “seek medical assistance.” Our German
language skills are measured in words rather than fluency, so trying to find “yellow pages” was not the highest
on our list. As we entered the town we noticed the familiar Red
Cross flag on a building with a few ambulances parked within.
We turned into that facility and were lucky to find an English speaking (one out of 5) paramedics who, after determining
no immediate medical emergency requiring ambulance existed, directed us to the local hospital, about 2 miles away.
We easily found the hospital, went to the urgent (but not emergency) room area and asked to see a doctor, explaining
our (my) plight.
The hospital (only 3 years old we were to learn
later) had many doctors officing within the facility, ranging from various specialties to general/family practice.
We were in luck with such a variety of talent to meet our needs. Well, as you’ll read, all had a happy ending,
so we’ll break the seriousness here.
Within 10 minutes I was escorted into an examining room, and in walked my doctor. She was a tall (6’ minimum) Blonde,
with her long hair woven into a large single long braid down the middle of her back. In fact, given a sword and
helmet with spread wings, my doctor would have symbolized Viking Royalty at it’s historical ultimate. This beautiful
creature was no dumb blonde, I assure you! She then referred me to an ENT specialist to verify her diagnosis.
As it turns out, we all discussed symptoms and suspected a “stone” blocking the duct in my salivary gland. However,
with no such history and without actual proof, the doctors “had to be sure” which meant they needed to verify with
sonar and other tests no active biological problems involved, etc. These tests were scheduled for the next morning.
We checked into a nearby zimmer for the night. Then we ate, and I experienced the same problem again, but this
time it produced a tiny “stone” which passed thru the glandular duct and out. When the stone passed, the swelling
went down and all was well. Case solved.
You may wonder about our payments? Payment, while important, was NEVER the most important subject during our admittance.
Medical priority was paramount at all times (U.S. Hospitals could learn a few things here). We offered our insurance
info to the hospital, which they verified was “ineffective” in Austria. We offered to pay the hospital but were
told to pay the ENT specialist doctor to whom we were referred by the hospital. About 3 doctor visits including
the morning after visit resulted in a Doctor bill of about 110 Euros ($110 U.S. equivalent at this writing). Hospital
charges, he explained might or might not be forwarded to our home in the U.S. Either way, he explained, he hoped
we were treated fairly and properly. We assured him we were very pleased with our treatment and very impressed
with the new Reutte hospital and medical facilities.
Good things did happen to us within this ordeal. The ENT specialist placed in charge of my case was excited at
his opportunities to visit with us, use his English, and share the beauty of his beloved Reutte, Austria area,
mountains, trails, hiking, and skiing. That morning also brought a beautiful surprise: Snow blanketing the surrounding
areas above the 1100 foot level. The doctor also guided us on the map to the best and safest roads to take to Switzerland
to avoid probable snow fall problems on the roads. Wonderful, warm, friendly people!
Most of all, we found that given the need, we could actually and reasonably function effectively, regardless of
the unknowns, in a “foreign” medical situation. We acknowledged the potential problems, used our common sense to
find medical assistance (recognizing the red cross and asking EMT’s for help) located a hospital, found medical
assistance, and alleviated any real or potential medical problems.
VISUALIZE this last paragraph, have a loose but mutual idea of what you would do under similar or worse circumstances
during any trip anywhere, at home or away. The reason there are no pictures in this Bill’s Backroads note is the
ONLY picture I want in your mind is YOUR vision of what YOU would do in similar circumstances. If you are the only
medical help available to your family, friends or yourself, be the best you can be!
Happy…and HEALTHY… travels!
