Top 10 Reasons for Medical Disasters at Exotic Destination Weddings

Medical risks that may accompany your "dream" wedding

Over the years, I have become somewhat of a “medical risk forecaster”.   You tell me the destination, and I will recite a reasonably foreseeable medical risk that should it occur, will most likely turn a dream vacation in to a nightmare, or worst, a tragedy.

“I want to get married on the beach in Jamaica”…Sounds familiar? Jamaica, Antigua, Cayman, Abaco, Belize, St. Lucia are spectacular destinations for a dream wedding. While a wedding at an exotic destination is, mostly, a memorable event; when I hear the phrase “Our daughter decided to get married in…. and we are all heading there”…. My risk forecasting skills are activated because of the strong correlation between “exotic destinations” and “poor medical infrastructure”.

Most people are not aware of the serious medical risks associated with transporting a wedding party of various ages, medical histories and behavioral characteristics to a destination that may be ill equipped to deal with serious medical emergencies. While I was Vice President for International Medical Services at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami (the trauma center of the Caribbean www.JMHI.org), I often witnessed the tragic consequences of overlooked risks, poor planning and…grief stricken brides.

Here are some of the reasons for medical disasters during weddings at exotic destinations:

Practical Advice:

• Give your guest the benefit of current information regarding key healthcare facts at the destination country.

• Ask each wedding guest to submit a medical profile consisting of:
  • Active medical conditions
  • Allergies
  • Medications (by name, dosages and frequency of intake)
  • Brief Medical History:
    • Previous surgeries
    • Previous hospitalizations

• Role of Primary Care Physician:
  • Ask the guests to consult with their primary care doctor about:
    • Immunizations
    • Anti-tetanus shot
    • Prevailing medical conditions in destination country

• Remind guests to bring ample supply of their medications, an extra pair of eye glasses, their favorite brand sun screen, and common over the counter medications.

• Ask your guests to drink responsibly and not operate “fun” equipment while intoxicated

• Take out a medical travel insurance policy

Call International-Triage for help with planning for the medical aspect of your dream wedding.

Congratulations!