Medical emergency Epic help needed urgently

[YVRBassElectric]

 

NCL finally offering her help after 18 hours. At last! Meeting with Hotel Director. Someone to help pack etc. No medical bill.........what does that tell you?

 

.

 

I am so sorry your family has had all this stress on what should have been a wonderful vacation.

 

Unfortunately, I think "Risk Assessment" lawyers have had to big of an influence on ship board staff. I'm guessing they have been told not to "accept responsibility" until an investigation has been done. They need to teach the way to show compassion & understanding, without accepting legal responsibility. I used to be a McDonald's manager and we were trained how to help, without saying Sorry - VERY hard for a Canadian!

 

I am so glad you are able to go and help your daughter pack & get settled, I am sure that is a great comfort to her and her husband.

[NLH Arizona]

NCL finally offering her help after 18 hours. At last! Meeting with Hotel Director. Someone to help pack etc. No medical bill.........what does that tell you?

 

I'm really curious, basically because it will help any of us that are in this type of situation. Did your daughter contact the Hotel Director when the incident happend and was told there was no help to be given or did the Hotel Director contact her, after your calls to NCL, to offer help?

[jagsfan]

Best of luck to all of you. It will be a great relief for your daughter to have you with her. I hope MIL recovers well from her broken femur.

It will be a while, but having her eventually back home will help.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Jac199]

It was heartbreaking for me to read your posts, knowing how worried you were for your daughter and how helpless you felt. I know how hard it is to be alone, so far from home when something like this happens. I am normally very level-headed and able to handle most situations but found myself turning circles because I didn't know what to do first. I'm glad you will be able to have breakfast with your daughter; I am sure she will be very happy to see you. I am thinking of you and your family and will be hoping everything turns out OK.

[L1211]

Not correct. Under the UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea), and the Athens Convention of 1974 relating to carriage of passengers at sea, the carrier (cruise line) has the responsiblility to get medical attention to anyone injured on their ships. They may not have to pay for this (Athens limits this to negligence or abuse), but they are required to get all needed medical attention for the person, crew or passenger, until that person is "made whole" again (regains health). Therefore, the ship's agent in Barcelona will be the coordinating point for arranging this injured passenger's onward journey to the hospital, and arranging all required medical services once there. The cruise line is also required to have insurance for passenger injuries.

 

 

 

I can assure this was NOT my experience with NCL last summer. I needed emergency surgery in St Thomas. They had ship personnel escort me to a taxi and that was the extent of their assistance. I was totally on my own. To the point of where a sweet stranger used his daughter’s car with her toddler’s car seat still in it to drive us back to the ship because we couldn’t get a taxi post surgery that time of day. I share only because I don’t want others to think they would just naturally be supported by NCL during a medical emergency. It simply isn’t true. They wanted proof of my fitness to sail post-op once they realized I had re-boarded. Nice. Their liability, not my health, was the priority. Just be prepared to support yourself!!!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[L1211]

Beat of luck to you and the family. I feel for you all! Please keep us posted.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[kitkat343]

I'm so sorry. I know that NCL normally does not allow 2 year olds in their daycare program, nor do they normally provide babysitting services. I would ask guest services if it is possible for them to make an exception to this (Princess and Cunard allow children under 2 in their kids clubs with parental supervision). Or perhaps a kids club staff member would be willing to babysit on her hours off? It is unlikely they would be able to accommodate this request, as their insurance may not cover it but its worth asking - I'd be exhausted on a cruise by myself without any daycare. Also, room service is good or she can try a sit down restaurant, especially during off hours when things are quiet. They'll be able to bring her food and if the restaurant is fairly empty she won't need to worry about noise. And give the kid lots of ice cream and treats.

 

Also, do tell her to use the internet/make phone calls and not worry about the cost now. It is quite possible NCL will waive these fees later (they really should have given the circumstances, but an email following up requesting a waiver may be successful). Once the ship gets close to shore there may be others with good international phone plans who can lend them their phone (on my phone for 10 a day, I can make unlimited cell calls internationally, just like at home and I'm sure most people on a plan like this would be more than happy to help your daughter.)

[ellie1145]

In all fairness I am sure they handle that stuff different depending on the circumstances. It makes a difference if it is an elderly 85+ couple with a life threatening condition in a far distant port compared to a non life threatening condition of an European citizen being treated in Barcelona with an adult family member at its side and an adult family member back at the ship.

 

This IS an elderly lady, who is quite frail, she has a heart condition, she has been badly injured. We do not know the outcome. The injury to her leg is such that it will involve major reconstructive surgery, with all that entails and yes, she has her son but it must be frightening nevertheless. Or is this not a serious enough incident to require compassion?

 

Why would they decide on the level of compassion based on your age? Do hospital staff decide to be uncaring if you are young and badly injured? It is inexcusable that a cruise company should even consider doing that. You are in a traumatic situation, far from home, you don't speak the language, you are being hoisted in the air in darkness. Come on, surely even you can show some milk of human kindness?

 

Have you ever been winched up in a helicopter with foreign crew at sea in great pain? You are very flippant bearing in mind you don't know all the circumstances.

 

My mother used to tell us ' if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all.' It's a good motto to have.

 

Thank you to those who have shown that there are STILL caring compassionate people in this world.

[bmwman]

It wow's me, in a situation like this, a person wanting information for a third party. It does seem, to me, NCL has done their job. A person was injured, accessed, and medical assistance supplied. Now that a person is no longer a passenger on the ship, they move on. As for the family members left behind, YES, there should be someone there to advise on future plans....arranging to get off at the next port, however, I feel, in my opinion, once they leave the ship...NCL no longer has any duties to arrange for any further transportation. THAT now falls into the insurance companies hands. You should always have a copy of your policy with you with contact phone numbers to help you.

 

YES, I am sorry that this woman had a fall, and that her vacation was now ruined, but that's life....She's safe, taken care of and has a family member with her. So to hear the wife is on board.....pushing her child around in a stroller....has she been turned out of her cabin?

 

How horrible of you all this good lady asked for was advice and support and all you could come back with is a nasty comment. I agree with other posters on this thread and if you can not say something nice do not say it at all.

 

This fall is nasty and the injured person will be in hospital for some time show some compassion. I am not an orthopaedic surgeon but this is a difficult operation based on what the OP has posted so give it a rest and let the OP get the advice she needs. The poor lady is worried sick and your comments are most unhelpful.

[bmwman]

I can assure this was NOT my experience with NCL last summer. I needed emergency surgery in St Thomas. They had ship personnel escort me to a taxi and that was the extent of their assistance. I was totally on my own. To the point of where a sweet stranger used his daughter’s car with her toddler’s car seat still in it to drive us back to the ship because we couldn’t get a taxi post surgery that time of day. I share only because I don’t want others to think they would just naturally be supported by NCL during a medical emergency. It simply isn’t true. They wanted proof of my fitness to sail post-op once they realized I had re-boarded. Nice. Their liability, not my health, was the priority. Just be prepared to support yourself!!!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Very sadly that is the nature of the world we live in now - blame the lawyers!

[bmwman]

This IS an elderly lady, who is quite frail, she has a heart condition, she has been badly injured. We do not know the outcome. The injury to her leg is such that it will involve major reconstructive surgery, with all that entails and yes, she has her son but it must be frightening nevertheless. Or is this not a serious enough incident to require compassion?

 

Why would they decide on the level of compassion based on your age? Do hospital staff decide to be uncaring if you are young and badly injured? It is inexcusable that a cruise company should even consider doing that. You are in a traumatic situation, far from home, you don't speak the language, you are being hoisted in the air in darkness. Come on, surely even you can show some milk of human kindness?

 

Have you ever been winched up in a helicopter with foreign crew at sea in great pain? You are very flippant bearing in mind you don't know all the circumstances.

 

 

My mother used to tell us ' if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all.' It's a good motto to have.

 

Thank you to those who have shown that there are STILL caring compassionate people in this world.

How I feel for you - It must be awful with such a long way from home. Hopefully things are settling down and my experience of UK based holiday insurers is that they will be able very supportive. You must follow doctors advice but the surgery if performed in the UK will be easier for you. The UK is blessed with some fine orthopaedic surgeons ( experience) and this will be repaired.

Compassion though seems to run out sometimes for some people - ignore them, All you need to know is that there are plenty out there want to give you the best advice and help.



The questions you are asked are important but you do not see the same criticism of someone ask by way of example is cabin xxxxx a good cabin.

[bmwman]

Ellie,

 

Please come back in a few days and let us know how all this is working out. As far as calling when the ship is close to land, that idea is a mistake. Your daughter will still be charged the cellular at sea rate. She has to wait until the ship is at the port, and the ship turns that signal off.

 

After our last TA with NCL this past April and May, I have to say I'm not surprised with NCL's mediocre response and being of little help. That cruise drained my enthusiasm for cruising. I'll go back to another line someday.

 

That idea was not a mistake you will pick up the land based cellular between Corsica and Sardinia - done it many times and the Europe works differently to the States. Cellular at sea is charged very different in the UK to US in any event.

[LyannaStark]

The vast majority of UK phone contracts now include ‘roam like home’ which covers all of Europe so you can make calls and use data at no extra cost as long as you have a network signal. As for people mithering about a parent onboard ship with a child alone, how on earth do they think single parents manage it? It’s not like she was dumped at a port with her child + all baggage, she is safe on a ship with all meals etc. and the ability to have internet access. Anyone who can’t ‘cope’ in that sort of situation should have a think about whether they should travel at all!

[bmwman]

The vast majority of UK phone contracts now include ‘roam like home’ which covers all of Europe so you can make calls and use data at no extra cost as long as you have a network signal. As for people mithering about a parent onboard ship with a child alone, how on earth do they think single parents manage it? It’s not like she was dumped at a port with her child + all baggage, she is safe on a ship with all meals etc. and the ability to have internet access. Anyone who can’t ‘cope’ in that sort of situation should have a think about whether they should travel at all!

 

Thanks - all contracts include it (you have quoted the "3" strapline) it the EU directive - until we leave!

[pe4all]

The stress you are under must be incredible. Have a safe flight, and keep us updated. Different situation - but years ago my elderly aunt (82 years old) was standing next to us and her femur just broke out of nowhere. (osteoperosis, which she had no idea she even had) Had surgery 2 days later where they inserted a rod into her femur, and she was in a rehab facility walking 2 days after that! I wish MIL a speedy recovery. Just make sure your daughter gets all the paperwork (incident/accident report) from the ship BEFORE she disembarks, otherwise it may be a hassle getting the reports later on. We needed this info for our travel insurance policy to pay us back for our Belize mis-adventure!

[mjkacmom]

I really hope your daughter is going to support her husband and her MIL during this stressful time. I know I would never just leave my DH alone in this situation, and he’d never leave me.

[Markanddonna]

Thanks for coming back to keep us updated. You probably know that NCL hires people to monitor these boards so they likely started to provide some assistance to the daughter when they read some of the comments.

[bmwman]

Thanks for coming back to keep us updated. You probably know that NCL hires people to monitor these boards so they likely started to provide some assistance to the daughter when they read some of the comments.

 

Really

[zqvol]

I would love to hear the daughter's perspective on what is happening. Something tells me that the details about what is happening on the ship will be different than what we are hearing from OP.

[sanger727]

I really hope your daughter is going to support her husband and her MIL during this stressful time. I know I would never just leave my DH alone in this situation, and he’d never leave me.

 

 

 

This post is unnecessary. The situation posed was that the MIL needed an air evacuation from the ship and only one person could accompany her. The son is the natural person to go. The son staying onboard and allowing the MIL to be transported to a foreign hospital alone is much worse than the wife and child being left on the cruise ship. It’s a better environment for the child anyway than being stuck in a foreign hospital awaiting other family to get there and assist.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[mjkacmom]

This post is unnecessary. The situation posed was that the MIL needed an air evacuation from the ship and only one person could accompany her. The son is the natural person to go. The son staying onboard and allowing the MIL to be transported to a foreign hospital alone is much worse than the wife and child being left on the cruise ship. It’s a better environment for the child anyway than being stuck in a foreign hospital awaiting other family to get there and assist.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Of course the son needed to go with his mom! However, it appears the daughter’s parents are flying in to help her fly back home with her son. I can’t imagine what the son is going through, having no back up. When your loved one is in the hospital, you don’t even want to leave the room to get food, in case the doctor comes in. It’s stressful and exhausting. Someone should be there with him, and the OP could take the toddler home. This sounds like a close family, surely the grandparents could watch him.

[CruisingSince1982]

I really hope your daughter is going to support her husband and her MIL during this stressful time. I know I would never just leave my DH alone in this situation, and he’d never leave me.

 

What a nasty thing to say. Gotta love the keyboard bullies :rolleyes:

[lanceholt]

I would suggest to the OP to try and calm herself before she gets to her daughter/grandson as that is what they will need. Her getting angry on this thread at total strangers doesn't help her stay calm enough to give the assistance her family wants. Cruise ships deal with these things on a daily basis and deal with family members likewise, but you always have to let them know what you need as they are not mind readers.

[LrgPizza]

What a nasty thing to say. Gotta love the keyboard bullies :rolleyes:

I have no idea how that statement could be construed as nasty or bullying. She is suggesting the wife support her husband, instead of leaving with MIL. How does that make her a bully? I must say, all families are different, but I'd do the same thing. Maybe my mom could take my son in order to help in that way, but I would choose to be with my husband and his mother once I got off the ship, not with my own mother, who isn't even involved in any way. That doesn't make me a bully.

[Sauer-kraut]

As for people mithering about a parent onboard ship with a child alone, how on earth do they think single parents manage it? It’s not like she was dumped at a port with her child + all baggage, she is safe on a ship with all meals etc. and the ability to have internet access. Anyone who can’t ‘cope’ in that sort of situation should have a think about whether they should travel at all!

This!

 

I have been wondering the same thing. She could still be enjoying the amenities of the ship, eating in dining rooms, etc. There's nothing she can do for either the MIL or her DH on the ship anyways.