Guest Author - Evanne Schmarder

All of us wish for nothing but fun and games when we’re RVing but unfortunately, that’s not the way it always goes. Even if we’re in the best of health it’s a good idea to be prepared for anything. Case-in-point: I was a happy camper enjoying the fabulous Florida Keys when I made the mistake of wandering over to my neighbors…and was bitten by her dog! Youch! This little incident required a visit to the local hospital.

While that’s been the only medical emergency since I’ve been on the road, it taught me the importance of having a plan. So what does that mean? I’ve outlined a few high points for your review.

When checking in:

• Make note of the parks street address and your site number in case you need to call for help in the middle of the night. I make sure to leave the site map I received at check-in in an obvious place (dining table) so that information is close at hand.
• Make note of the closest pay phone location. Many of us use cell phones from other areas of the country. Not all counties are set up to route your cell phone call to the local 911 dispatch and may instead send your emergency call to your home area code.
• Ask where the closest hospital and/or Urgent Care facility is located…just in case.
• Ask about the campground’s office hours.

If you are a boondocker, say in Quartzsite, AZ, make sure you can give clear directions to your camping location.

Before you leave home consider putting together a file on each traveler that includes the following information:

• Recent medical records – checkups, surgeries, etc.
• Current drug list – include multi-vitamins and birth control, if taken
• Primary care physician contact information
• Health insurance cards, pre-approval phone numbers, agent, etc.

Some RVers have purchased SkyMed insurance that will airlift you in cases of extreme emergency. If you have this type of coverage make sure you have your membership card/number accessible.

Keep a first-aid kit close at hand (and know how to use it) that includes:

• Anti-septic
• Bandages of several sizes
• Gauze and tape
• Aspirin/Ibuprofen
• Adult and children’s Benadryl
• Cold-pac
• Burn ointment
• Hydrocortisone crème
• Sunburn ointment (aloe, etc.)
• Tweezers
• Scissors
• Any special meds like nitroglycerin, EPI-Pen for allergies, etc.

When out having fun – especially with children – it’s a good idea to equip each camper with:

• Bottled water
• High energy snacks
• A whistle
• A small flashlight (with fresh batteries)
• Emergency contact information in two places (maybe a pocket and a backpack)

Lastly, create two ICE (In Case of an Emergency) listings in your cell phone with your spouse’s contact information and one with a family members information that’s not likely traveling with you.

Please note, this isn’t an all-inclusive list but a general overview of how to be prepared for medical emergencies when RVing away from home. Get out there and have a ball…but be ready to handle the unexpected.