You are in Costa Rica and you are not sure if you are having blood sugar issues or a heart attack.
Should you call Global Rescue?
Yes.
“Call us whenever you have a medical question during your travels,” said Garret Dejong, senior specialist in medical operations at Global Rescue. “Ask immediately before the situation or the symptoms get worse.”
A situation like this is why Global Rescue’s medical advisory services are available to members 24/7/365. Sometimes you have a question about a symptom, like a bite or a rash.
“Our team of medical professionals include experienced paramedics, nurses and doctors. We handle calls for cuts and stomach upsets to more severe illnesses and injuries, like chest pains and serious trauma,” said Michael Lovely, operations supervisor at Global Rescue.
Or sometimes you need to find a clinic in your area. It could be a COVID testing facility needed before a flight, or a health care provider who can evaluate an injury to determine if it is sprained or broken. Global Rescue will direct you to the best local medical resources around the world, so you are not left guessing about how to best address your health concern.
And sometimes that phone call can save your life, which is what Captain Scott Kozak learned when he started having symptoms — rapid heart rate, sweating, disorientation and weakness — while in Quepos, Costa Rica, where he owns two charter boat operations.
“Those of us who live, work, play and travel internationally may wonder what would happen if you were injured or had a medical emergency in a third-world country,” said Kozak, owner and operator of Pacific Fly Sportfishing at Marina Pez Vela in Quepos. “Now I have first-hand experience.”
GLOBAL RESCUE IS THE FIRST CALL
With his heart clocking 252 beats per minute, Kozak was taken to a local clinic in Quepos.
Kozak said he called Global Rescue immediately and was advised to go to Hospital CIMA in San Jose, Costa Rica.
Hospital CIMA, built in 2000, is a full-service, acute-care hospital with a Cardiovascular Surgery Center of Excellence.
“Global Rescue has a list of criteria for vetting a hospital’s capabilities to be considered a Center of Excellence,” said Jeff Weinstein, medical operations supervisor at Global Rescue. “We have detailed conversations with leadership. We visit a hospital, with a translator if needed, to make sure the facility aligns with a U.S. Level 1 hospital — 24-hour ED, trauma and surgical services — and Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation. We want to get you to the right hospital, not the closest.”
Despite Global Rescue’s advice, Kozak went to a smaller hospital in Quepos. The hospital determined Kozak did not have a heart attack or suffer any major damage, so when he was released several hours later, he rested for a day and based on advice from his cardiologist in the United States, went to the airport.
“While waiting at the gate to board the plane, I experienced a severe attack requiring immediate attention from airport paramedics. I was evaluated and immediately transferred to Hospital CIMA,” Kozak said.
Global Rescue’s medical advisory services came in handy once again.
“Global Rescue provided us with all information we needed in real time, including where to transport me for the best possible care in Costa Rica, setting up a hotel room for my wife across the street from the hospital, and checking on my condition two to three times per day,” Kozak said.
Kozak needed angioplasty surgery, then a second surgery to implant a pacemaker/defibrillator. “I was in the hospital for eight days (seven days in coronary ICU) for two surgeries, plus a couple more days of recovery. The level of care I received in Costa Rica was incredible. Now I feel 30 years younger. I will get a good month of rest and begin cardio rehab when I return to the states.”
One thing Kozak wishes he did differently? “I should have listened to Global Rescue from the beginning,” he said. “Although we called Global Rescue immediately after my first attack, I tried to make it to the states against Global Rescue’s advice.”
The experience did underline the importance of a Global Rescue membership and the 24/7/365 medical advisory services.
“I have consulted Global Rescue about a couple minor injuries, but I never thought I would use it in this capacity,” Kozak said. “I tell others if you have health issues or travel regularly, it’s a great idea to have a Global Rescue membership. It may save your life someday. It did for me.”
It is difficult to manage your own health care while you are having an emergency. That’s why Global Rescue members appreciate our round-the-clock medical advisory services. Our medical experts will evaluate symptoms and recommend the best health care facility, then our medical evacuation services will get you there. We’ll also work in conjunction with your family, the local health care providers and your primary care doctors at home, so everyone is on the same page.
Safari Club International highly recommends purchasing a Global Rescue membership prior to your next trip. Single trip, annual and family options are available. For more information, visit visit www.globalrescue.com/scimag or call (617) 459-4200 and mention you’re a Safari Club International member.