In Hua Hin, life for expatriates can be an adventure, filled with new experiences, cultural discoveries, and a laid-back lifestyle that many can only dream of.
However, while you’re busy enjoying life, have you ever stopped to consider how you would handle a medical emergency?
It is a situation that many expats overlook until it is too late, leading to unnecessary delays and expenses that could have been avoided with the right preparation.
During a recent and comprehensive interview, Dr. Pongsak Boonyaleephun, the Assistant Hospital Director of Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin, shared some really useful and important information on how expats and tourists alike can navigate the healthcare system in Thailand, prepare for medical emergencies and who to call in the event of an emergency.
Dr Pongsak also provided information on the upcoming expansion of Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin, which is set to begin in 2024.
Preparing for medical emergencies: The vital ‘ICE’ envelope
Dr. Pongsak emphasized the importance of being prepared for a medical emergency, particularly for those with pre-existing conditions.
“It is vital to have all your medication information readily available,” he advises, encouraging patients to take clear photos of their medications, including the name and dosage.
“If you have a pre-existing condition, you should have all the information regarding the medication you need to be easily available to you”.
“I always advise that people take photos of their medications and that the photo captures the name, ingredients and dosage.
“This is useful for when you run out of medication or maybe you forget it when you are traveling.
“The photographs enable you to easily show a pharmacist the exact type of medication you require,” Dr Pongsak explained.
Moreover, Dr. Pongsak introduced the concept of the ‘ICE’ envelope, or ‘In Case of Emergency’ envelope as a key component of emergency preparedness.
He emphasized the importance of the ICE envelope, especially when individuals are not in a state to communicate their medical history or preferences.
This envelope should contain comprehensive information about an individual’s medical conditions, allergies, medication details, a copy of their passport and details of their medical insurance, should they have it.
“Having an ICE envelope ready ensures that whether it’s you, a friend, or a spouse, crucial information is accessible easily and can save precious time in emergency situations,” he stated.
Call 1669 in an emergency
In cases of medical emergencies, Dr. Pongsak highlighted the significance of the emergency number 1669, which connects callers to the nearest emergency dispatch centre in Thailand.
“1669 is the number to call in a medical emergency. But at the same time you should contact the hospital, if you are a regular patient there and we will work with the first responders”.
“This ensures we are on the same wavelength and we can communicate with them if you prefer to come here as they would normally send patients to a government hospital”.
Discussing the capabilities of Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin, Dr. Pongsak expressed confidence in the hospital’s ability to handle most emergencies, with specialized care available for cardiovascular issues and stroke.
“We have 24 hours a day seven days a week neurologist and neurosurgeon on call, investigation technology, CT scan and MRI facilities”.
However, he mentioned certain cases might require transfer to a specialized facility.
On the topic of vaccines, Dr. Pongsak recommended annual flu shots for all ages.
“The first vaccine people should think about is the flu vaccine which you need every year. And that’s for all ages, from young to old but especially when you get older,” Dr Pongsak said.
“But even if you have the vaccine, it doesn’t mean that you will not catch the flu. It just means you are less likely to get it or that the symptoms may be less severe,” he explained.
There are some other vaccines people should consider, including for dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis, among others. People should check their vaccine status every year. For more information, see the vaccine timetable included in this article. In all instances regarding vaccines, it is important to consult your physician.
For general health, he urged the community to maintain a healthy lifestyle, emphasizing the need to exercise regularly and maintain a balanced diet in order to not become overweight.
Upcoming expansion of Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin
Looking ahead, Dr. Pongsak shared news about the expansion of Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin, indicating significant growth and enhancements in the hospital’s facilities and services.
“Currently we have 60 patient rooms but after the expansion there will be 150 patient rooms,” Dr. Pongsak said.
“In addition, the number of outpatient clinics will increase from 20 to 35, while we will also double the size of our ICU and emergency room.”
The expansion project will begin in 2024 and is expected to be completed in 2026.
Dr. Pongsak’s insights underscore the importance of being prepared for medical emergencies and taking proactive steps to maintain good health.
The ‘ICE’ envelope emerges as a crucial tool in this preparation, and the expansion of Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin looks set to provide improved healthcare services in the region.
