Traveller suffers serious stroke on NZ family holiday
Posted by RSVP on
When a loved one suffers a stroke, it's a devastating experience. But what would you do if it happened, while travelling overseas?Jack and his wife were visiting relatives in New Zealand, when he suffered a stroke. Family members found Jack lying on the bedroom floor, unable to move his right side. They immediately called an ambulance, which rushed Jack to hospital. His wife then contacted our Medical Assistance team to advise us of the situation.
The stroke left Jack's right side completely paralysed. He was unable to sit, stand or take care of his daily needs. To make matters worse, the hospital where Jack was admitted had a gastro-intestinal virus outbreak, so his family was prohibited from visiting for the first 48 critical hours. During this time, our Medical Assistance team kept in close contact with the treating medical staff, relaying vital medical information to Jack's family.
Shortly after Jack began physiotherapy, his condition slowly improved, so our Medical Assistance team started to arrange a repatriation. For the next seven days, our team liaised extensively with the commercial airline to arrange a stretcher to be placed into the rear of the aircraft to transport Jack home.
Once the airline had been granted flight clearance and provided with oxygen cylinders, Registered Nurses and Case Managers departed Brisbane to escort Jack and his wife home. On their arrival, our nurses conducted a medical examination to ensure Jack was fit to fly. Our nurses discussed with Jack's treating doctor that his health could be compromised by decreased oxygen levels and flight altitude.
Jack had also been complaining of chest pain. So additional tests were requested, to ensure Jack's cardiac problems would not affect his fitness to fly.
After almost two weeks in hospital, Jack was successfully repatriated to hospital in Australia, where he continued his treatment. Jack's wife was extremely relieved to have the support and compassion of our nurses for the long flight home. As a proud Australian company, onlinetravelinsurance is dedicated to customer support and going that 'extra mile' for our policy holders.
If you are travelling overseas, there is nothing more important than Travel Insurance. Australia is an isolated island, and the costs of offshore treatment and medical repatriation can be staggering. Make sure you are protected with an onlinetravelinsurance policy!
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