Chinese people will inevitably encounter situations while traveling abroad. When they need emergency assistance, they can seek help from the local resident office. A man and his wife went on a self-guided trip to Japan at the end of May this year. Unexpectedly, he developed symptoms of appendicitis during the trip. He was refused admission by several hospitals due to his fever. Finally, he relied on the help of the Osaka office to coordinate and successfully found a hospital for treatment. He was very grateful to the diplomats and representative offices abroad for their help.
This netizen shared on PTT that he and his wife were watching a football match in Kyoto. Unexpectedly, his stomach began to hurt more and more, even following returning to the hotel and taking medication. The symptoms did not improve at all. He even developed a fever, severe pain in the lower abdomen and other symptoms. His wife, who is a caregiver, judged that he had appendicitis and immediately took him to the counter and asked someone to contact the hospital. Unexpectedly, several hospitals said they would not admit patients with a fever.
Hara Po said that it was around 0:00 in the morning, and his wife urgently contacted the Osaka office. The staff answered the phone and started helping immediately. They successfully took a taxi called by the counter and went to the first hospital. However, they were refused admission once more due to his fever. Fortunately, with the assistance of the resident staff, they successfully arrived at the second hospital that was willing to treat him. They confirmed that Hara Po indeed had appendicitis. Finally, they gave him pain relief and antibiotics to suppress the inflammation until his symptoms improved at 7 a.m. They returned to the hotel and continued their journey.
Later, he and his wife brought gifts and cards to the Osaka office to thank the foreign staff who helped. “He is a very young and handsome guy, very kind and polite, but he insisted not to accept gifts for fear of being in trouble. He said he had doubts.” However, the other party still accepted the card and enthusiastically asked them to take care and keep in touch. This experience was something he and his wife would never forget. He was very grateful to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the representatives abroad for their help. Otherwise, if his condition was serious, he might have died in Japan.
After the article was exposed, netizens praised one following another, “It’s good that everything is fine, that handsome guy will be blessed”, “It’s great that everything is fine and I would like to thank the hard-working representative office staff”, “If in a country where there is “exchange”, the resident representative Chu is really the best support.”
Some netizens also added, “In Japan, call 119 directly, but it is useless if there is no hospital to collect, and when the ambulance comes, it will ask you to complete all the information you need to fill in before sending you to a doctor.” “It’s dangerous”, “Japanese hospitals really don’t accept patients with high fever! My friend took her baby to the hospital and ended up with a high fever in the middle of the night, so many hospitals keep pushing.”
Further reading
Japanese Hospitals Refuse Fever Patients? Man’s Appendicitis Ordeal Highlights Travel Emergency Assistance
Navigating healthcare abroad can be challenging, especially in emergency situations. This is a story that serves as a stark reminder of the importance of seeking help from local authorities during travel emergencies.
A Traveler’s Nightmare
A man and his wife, on a self-guided trip to Japan in late May, experienced firsthand the difficulties of seeking medical help while abroad. While watching a football match in Kyoto, the husband suddenly developed stomach pain. Despite returning to their hotel and taking medication, his condition worsened, eventually leading to a fever, severe lower abdominal pain, and a suspected case of appendicitis.
The couple’s attempts to find medical assistance proved difficult, as several hospitals refused admission due to his fever. This situation, unfortunately, is not uncommon in Japan, where hospitals tend to be cautious regarding admitting patients with high fevers.
The Importance of Embassy Assistance
Desperate for help, the couple contacted the Osaka office of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The resident staff provided immediate support, assisting them in finding a taxi and coordinating with a hospital. Even following being refused at the first hospital due to the fever, the resident staff persevered, ultimately finding a hospital willing to treat the traveler, confirming the diagnosis of appendicitis.
The timely intervention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs staff was crucial in ensuring the traveler received immediate medical attention and avoided a potentially life-threatening situation. The resident staff’s assistance underscores the vital role these offices play in supporting citizens abroad during emergencies.
Netizens Share Similar Experiences
The online discussion surrounding this incident revealed that similar experiences are not uncommon for travelers in Japan. Netizens shared stories of being refused at hospitals due to high fever, particularly among children. The incident also sparked discussion regarding emergency services in Japan, with some highlighting the importance of calling 119 directly, while others emphasized that the lack of available hospitals for admission can make this approach ineffective.
Tips for Travelers Experiencing Medical Emergencies in Japan
This case highlights the importance of being prepared for unexpected medical emergencies when traveling abroad. Some recommendations for travelers include:
- Obtain travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage. This will provide financial protection and ease the burden associated with medical expenses.
- Familiarize yourself with the local emergency contact numbers: This can include the local equivalent of 911, as well as the contact information for your country’s embassy or consulate.
- Learn basic Japanese phrases related to medical emergencies: This can be helpful in communicating with medical professionals, even if you do not speak the language fluently.
- Carry a list of your medical conditions and medications with you: This information can be crucial in the event of a medical emergency.
- Consider downloading a translation app: This can be helpful in communicating with locals who may not speak your language.
- Register your travel plans with your embassy or consulate: This allows the embassy to contact you in case of an emergency.
While medical emergencies can be stressful, following these tips can help ensure you receive the necessary support during difficult situations.
The traveler’s story serves as a valuable reminder to be prepared for unforeseen events when traveling abroad. It also highlights the vital role embassies and consulates play in supporting citizens during emergencies.
