Health Care Abroad

[hellosailor]

Thanks for the OT political advice, mick, but you'll find that "propriety" here is best left to the opinions and actions of the moderators and admins. If you have a problem with something, it is their preference that it be taken up with them, not between members.

What international cruisers may not be aware of, is that Americans have varying rights, obligations, duties, and viewpoints that may be radically different from those of other nationals. We are in some cases legally bound to "promote the domestic tranquility". In others, to support the State or the Government--and the two are not the same.

While a Swiss or German might be outraged and glare at you for jaywalking, in a major US metropolis you might be pushed oout of the way for blocking an intersection--regardless of the streetlight and the law.

Even among our military, there have been different oaths requiring different allegainces. According to the US Army at Oaths of Enlistment and Oaths of Office aboard Enterprise today, the top line of the officer's oath states ""I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic;" and without going into the lesser obligations given after that, it is worth pointing out that those men are obligated first and foremost to a piece of paper--neither the Government nor the State nor their own military force!

It is an interesting page, and worth noting that going back to revolutionary days--the oaths and obligations were very different. But then again, as many folks both from the US and from other nations are not aware, this is the second "United States", the first nation was literally shut down and replaced with a new one. Peaceably, by folks who were concerned with larger issues than "the law".

Legalities? That's a topic for a whole other time and place. The differences in those attittudes and obligations are something that only world travel can impress someone with. Drugs?

Well, as I said, what you do with them personally might best be considered in light of reality--which goes beyond and often contradicts "law". Who you do it in front of, is all part of that equation. The sea gods don't tolerate many fools for very long, whether they're bulldozing aircraft (aka 'reallocating material storage priorities') or carrying a pocket full of pills.

Bottom line, is to make an informed choice about what you're going to do. The priorities you make it upon, will of necessity be personal ones deeply ingrained in your cultural training.

Or as my friend's wife said on seeing a Shitzu being carried in a local supermarket, "Look, Husband! Such wonderful fresh meat they have here! Please, ma'am, which way to butcher department?"

[memryqlts]

that sounds like a great idea. Do you still have that list that you could pass on?

Memryqlts
S/V Changes

[captmick39]

Originally Posted by memryqlts

that sounds like a great idea. Do you still have that list that you could pass on?

Memryqlts
S/V Changes

Not sure, here's a link to an excellent foundation/base package, forget the spending money with them, or buying the fancy bag...as addressed previously, You can get a really sweet (& even FLOATING/Watertight) Big Camera bag w/plenty of internal dividers...

DynaMed® Modular Trauma III BLS Kit - TK083 : Galls

Aside splints and meds, it's a very good start, and figure about 1/4th their price to put Your own together, package everything Your self in Ziplock freezer bags, label the compartments, & You can put together a top shelf package for less than $100.oo;

[Pblais]

As I see it when threads that attempt to debate the reality vs the legality in the topic at hand the threads yield little fruit or changes few minds. We don't require threads be productive but being productive is a common goal here.

When questions about moderation come up it's best to report them using the report button rather than attempt to fix them yourself. It works better for everyone that way. That can include requests to have parts of your own post removed since after a short period you won't be able to do it yourself.

Moderators are not going to discuss moderation actions publicly since member privacy is a rule we try to uphold as well.

Don't Break Federal Law & Don't Advise Others Here To Do So.

That is an accurate interpretation of the posting rules. CF does not endorse efforts to break laws of any country (not only USA laws). We don't feel an obligation to allow members to help other members do that here either. Everyone is entitled to think and do what they believe in - just not here.

There are other threads here that get into advanced first aid training and those various options. Having additional medical training would be of greater value than anything you might carry in a kit.

[Therapy]

Originally Posted by Pblais

Having additional medical training would be of greater value than anything you might carry in a kit.

Key!
...........

[osirissail]

As to some of your actual questions - First good medical services are available in most island and countries outside the USA. Usually they are two -track systems with free service in the public clinics and hospitals and slightly better service at bargain prices in "private hospitals". Overall, medical services average about 10% or less of USA prices. In most 3rd world countries - almost and sometimes absolutely - anything is available "over the counter" if you can describe the drug in their language and /or show them an old container. And at prices of anywhere from half to 10% of USA prices.
- - Yes, drugs can be mailed/shipped to you anywhere in the world - whether you actually receive them while you are still alive can be problematical. If you use private courier services such as DHL, FedEx, etc. you have a high reliability rate of delivery for which you will pay dearly. For pubic mail systems and their miniscule prices compared to Courier Services, the track record on delivery is spotty. Most get through in a month or two but some simply never make it.
- - International medical insurance is available to cover you when you are not in the USA or its territories. The prices of the coverage is highly variable as stated by others. The biggest variable is if you want "whole world" coverage (includes USA and Canada) or "anywhere except USA/Canada". The later typically has premiums that are 1/4th of the whole world coverage.

[Cheechako]

Seattle has a convention called "Fish Expo" for the northwest/alaska fisherman. They used to have seminars teaching medical procedures. I took it twice. Learned how to suture a wound etc. We actually got to inject numbing agent with a syringe and suture up Pigs feet which are similar skin etc to humans. Different type of sutures to use for deep cuts etc. Other similar things were taught. I'm sure the guys on "Deadliest Catch " Have taken the seminar! It was fun experience, now days you would probably just put crazy glue on it!

[anjou]

This is an interesting thread for me as it highlights the direct cost Americans face for healthcare which we in the UK pay for indirectly through taxes but which makes care free at the point of use. ie Docs or hospital.This is done through our NHS, an institution which was last week mentioned in the US debate of obamas reforms. We have a SOCIAL care system, not a socialIST system. We are not commies but we do care about the poorer members of our community and in that respect, we try to make everyone equal so they may enjoy, in their moment of need, equal and affordable healthcare. I could say, 'why should I pay my taxes to help a person who has willfully made themselves ill or unwell' but I and we all just are greatful for the help when its our turn. Your pre ocupation of drug and medic expenses is to me, like shortage of water in a desert country. Im glad i dont have to worry all the time how I can afford care and drugs.