FSB Author Article
Vacation Emergencies 101
By Luke Hermann, M.D. & Tara Summers Hermann, R.N., B.S.N.,
Authors of Baby MEDBASICS®
Create an emergency information pack:
(use your Baby MEDBASICS pack, a bag or envelope but make sure you pack this in your carry on luggage -- don't check it)
1. A list of current medications with dosage and an extra copy
of prescriptions.
2. A list of allergies.
3. Phone number for family doctor.
4. Insurance company phone number and insurance identification
cards. Call your insurance company to verfiy their policy for
emergencies and doctor visits specific to your particular
destination.
5. A few basic childproofing items for the hotel/guest room
(outlet plugs, cabinet locks, cord rollers, etc).
Travel Day
1. Carry your own emergency care guide on airplane (Baby
MEDBASICS). Yes, you will have flight attendants but
no you won't have 911. Ultimately you are accountable for your
baby's safety so be prepared and don't leave it up to someone
else.
2. Carry the emergency info pack you so carefully created before
leaving home.
3. If your child has a severe allergy or medical condition place
a medic-alert bracelet on your child.
4. Carry a portable first-aid kit and small bottle of alcohol
free hand sanitizer.
5. Pack 1 more diaper than you think you need (after your third
flight delay . . . this my friend could be the biggest emergency
you encounter).
When You Arrive
1. Make note of emergency numbers (not always 911) as well as your
vacation address and the location of the closest hospital. You can
ask a family member, friend or concierge for this information.
2. Suitcase dangers -- Sometimes the biggest vacation dangers
are actually packed in your suitcase. Make sure all medications,
vitamins, cigarettes and cosmetics are out of reach from your
little one. Ziplock bags are a start but don't qualify as child
proofing. Lock medications in the room safe and place all items
high on a shelf out of reach.
3. Hotel room/guest room dangers -- Get down on your hands and
knees and crawl around the room. See what your baby sees and make
the adjustments as necessary. Are there dangling cords? Exposed
outlets? Matches? Irons?
Check the temperature of the hot water as you don't know the hot
water heater setting. By childproofing the room from the start you
will make your life a lot easier and your baby's a lot safer.
According to the National Safety Council, the number two cause of
injury-related death among children is drowning so make sure to
take precautions regarding any swimming pool, lake or ocean.
Prevention + Attention saves lives.
4. Sun damage -- Take extra care to make sure baby is covered up
as you most likely be spending more time outside than usual. Apply
sunscreen (30 spf) every 2 hours and after swimming. Remember that
your baby's skin is thinner than yours and therefore burns more
quickly than adult skin. Bring hats and umbrellas for shade. Offer
plenty of fluids and watch for signs of heat exhaustion/ heat
stroke. Symptoms of heat stroke include a body temperature above
103 degrees Fahrenheit, red, hot, dry skin (no sweating), quick
pulse, confusion, dizziness, headache, nausea and unconsciousness.
5. Resort babysitting -- Only hire babysitters from a trusted
source. Make sure a background check has been completed and that a
copy of his/her current drivers license is on file. Trust your
gut. If your sitter arrives and you don't have a good feeling
either call for another sitter or cancel your evening. (I
personally love sittercity.com) After your sitter arrives, allow
time for your baby (and you) to adjust. I recommend leaving at
least a 30 minute window. Make sure you leave your Baby
MEDBASICS emergency care guide, a first aid kit with
emergency information and your cell phone number.
© 2011 Luke Hermann, M.D. & Tara Summers Hermann, R.N., B.S.N., authors of Baby MEDBASICS®
Author Bios
Luke Hermann, M.D. & Tara Summers Hermann, R.N., B.S.N., authors
of Baby MEDBASICS®, founded
the company MEDBASICS® LLC. They
live in New York City with their three children, Nicholas, Oliver
Beckett, and Vivienne.
For more information please visit http://babymedbasics.com and Amazon.com, and follow the author on Facebook and Twitter