Everyone, at some point in their lives, requires medical treatment. I hope that any treatment is only for minor ailments or injuries. However, the reality is that many people will need emergency care, and only some will have prepared for such an event. Some simple background knowledge can be invaluable should the unthinkable happen and you or a loved one require emergency medical assistance.
Whether you are a Thai national, tourist, working expat, or retired in Thailand, there are many choices as to health care in the kingdom. Bangkok, in particular, has many hospitals, some better than others. Of course, the best hospitals have doctors, surgeons, and nursing staff trained to exact international standards. But what should you look for, and what can you expect from a medical emergency service?
Comprehensive Emergency Medical Care for the Whole Family
Most people living in the country are joined. There are partners, children, ents, and very likely an extended family, all of whom may require emergency medical help at some point. Everyone must have access to general care and specialist treatments such as pediatrics and geriatrics. Only hospital groups with a medical skills pool can provide comprehensive emergency care for all the families.Living in Thailand and Emergency Medical Care
Ideally, medical care needs to be easily accessible. This is best obtained from a medical care organization with numerous, strategically sited centers with good road links, making accessibility easy. People require all medical services, different treatments, surgical procedures, and emergency trauma care. Providing direct, coordinated, and comprehensive care can only be delivered through an all-encompassing hospital group.Anyone can become an accident victim through no fault of their own. Fast and efficient emergency service is vital following an accident. Modern quality hospitals will operate a well-practiced “Code Trauma” protocol. This all-encompassing system covers the whole emergency process, from the first emergency call to post-care.
At the time of an emergency call, through a sophisticated and comprehensive communication system, an ambulance should be dispatched within 2 minutes. The vehicle should be equipped with modern trauma equipment and be staffed by highly qualified first responders. The professionalism of these technicians is of the utmost importance in delivering, often lifesaving, immediate trauma care.
On arrival at the hospital, there should be no waiting time. Certificated emergency medical technicians (EMTs) should be ready to admit a patient. Qualified surgeons and nurses must also be immediately available. Foremost trauma surgeons and advanced trauma and cardiac life support nurses must be general 24 hours a day.
Modern, efficient hospitals will have a fully functioning operating theater available and staffed within 30 minutes of notification. Theaters must be fitted out with state-of-the-art monitoring and lifesaving equipment; this, along with qualified staff, saves lives.
Following an accident, immediate trauma care and possibly theater treatment will require continued specific consideration. This will be care that is individualized to each patient’s rehabilitation needs. There is a multitude of treatments that may be required. The only way to ensure that any and all treatments can be administered by an organization is through a hospital group with comprehensive medical expertise.
Visitors to the Kingdom and Medical Care
Visiting the country can, in many ways, increase the risk of being an accident victim. Being on holiday creates a carefree attitude, which can, unwittingly, put a person at a greater risk of being involved in a hazardous situation. Also, being unfamiliar with local practices and hazards, such as driving etiquette, will increase the chance of becoming an accident victim.Just like residents, visitors may require comprehensive emergency medical help, but there is the added complication of the patient being away from their home country. After an accident, a visitor to the government will want to be confident that they will be repatriated to their homeland after prompt, efficient emergency care.
Internationally accredited hospital groups can communicate and coordinate medical care with other medical centers worldwide. Where necessary, specialist international transport will need to be organized. A high-profile, highly professional organization can only provide this level of international cooperation.
Visitors to the kingdom will undoubtedly have medical insurance. In the unfortunate event of needing emergency medical assistance, a visitor must be confident that a medical facility will be able to deal with and process their insurance through their provider. Internationally accredited hospital groups have comprehensive policies in being able to deal with insurance companies around the world. With 80% of insurance companies now being members of the Association of International Medical Insurance Providers (AIMIP), major hospital groups can quickly process a patient’s insurance, ensuring no emergency treatment delay.
Choosing Your Medical Treatment Provider
Whether living in or visiting Thailand, knowing a comprehensive emergency medical service is available that matches your circumstances provides peace of mind. It is necessary to be sure you have access to a provider with a first-class emergency service, major trauma centers, and ongoing treatment covering all areas of the medical profession.In the kingdom of Thailand, there are the Samitivej Hospitals. This is a modern, technically advanced group of treatment centers based across the capital. Throughout this group, all aspects of medical care are professionally covered with highly skilled medical technicians using state-of-the-art equipment. This is backed up by professional administration and communication systems, which can coordinate every patient’s treatment.
Whether it’s a short stay or living in Thailand, you need to be be confident that you are medically covered in all aspects of your health. Be it sickness, injury, or significant trauma, your emergency health needs are covered here.
