As our summer travel begins, as part of our departure checklist I’m reviewing and updating our travel emergency plans. My wife deals with more medical issues than the Hydra has heads so our plans are more detailed than most, but…
1) Emergency contacts. Your cell phone most likely has a provision to allow first responders to access your in-case-of-emergency (ICE) contacts even if your phone is locked. If you cannot communicate , first responders will search for your phone looking for your ICE contacts. In addition, is your ICE list typed up and in your glove box and posted in the trailer? They will also look there.
2) If you travel with a companion, could that person hook up the trailer and drive home if you were not there? If not, what’s the getting home plan if you can’t drive?
3) Out-of-country medical problem? What’s the plan? What does your insurance cover?
4) Medical insurance coverage and cost for out-of-network providers. What’s the deal? Preauthorization for care required?
5) Where are you? Do you file an approximate‘ flight plan ‘ with anyone? If you never show up at your destination, where should the posse begin the search? Does everyone in your group know how to use their cellphone or GPS device to determine their location? Not important if you are in a formal campground where you can simply ask someone the name of the campground but quite important if boondocking or stoping overnight in a rest area, or similar.
From my scout days.
Be prepared.