Tips on what to do and where to go should an emergency–big or small–transpire during your vacation
By Sandra A. Berry
It’s bad enough when you experience a medical emergency while you’re at home, but if you’re traveling—especially outside the country—a medical emergency can take on a life of its own. There’s no reason to let a small—or even midsize—medical hiccup get in the way of an extraordinary vacation.
If and when an emergency arises, don’t panic. We have the resources here to handle everything from an allergic reaction to major surgery. For immediate assistance, dial 0-6-6. This is like 9-1-1 in the United States. Most hotels work with concierge doctors. Additionally, the Tourist Police can be reached at (624) 143-3977. Prepare for the unexpected, and, should anything happen, you’ll have an interesting story to share with friends.
Here’s an example: A friend of mine was visiting for a week prior to the holidays. We were invited to attend an elegant reception for some dignitaries arriving for a concert. All of a sudden she was bent over, looking for the veneer that had come off her front tooth while enjoying the canapés. Fortunately, she found it, but she could not smile without showing the gap in her teeth. The following morning, a Saturday, no less, we were at Dr. Martha Cruz’s dental office, thanks to a referral from a friend. Within two hours, we were back out enjoying the sights of Los Cabos.
Many restaurants are now in the habit of asking whether anyone in the party has allergies. Timing can be everything in an emergency and experiencing an allergic reaction to an unknown ingredient such as peanuts, shellfish, or even insect stings needs immediate medical attention. But, if that should happen, whom do you call?
Got the kids with you? Every parent knows the possibility of foreign objects being inserted in children’s noses or ear, especially those under the age of 5. Marbles, beans, small toys or insects can cause discomfort or pain and possible harm. When it’s your child, it’s especially daunting. You want to enjoy the many activities offered in Los Cabos: parasailing, canoeing, zip lining, fishing, but you didn’t expect to end up with a broken arm, or a fishhook in your hand. Accidents happen, no matter where you are.
Los Cabos is proud of its medical facilities. There are skilled, qualified, and trained medical professionals, and you’ll be glad to know most speak English. Here is a list of medical specialists and facilities for your reference. The list includes not only medical providers but also information about their areas of specialty.
Amerimed Hospital
Boulevard Lázaro Cárdenas, Cabo San Lucas
(624) 105-8500: sanlucas@amerimedloscabos.com
Amerimed Hospital
Páseo de la Misiones, San José del Cabo
(624) 105-8550; sanjose@amerimedloscabos.com
Jorge Ignacio Arciga González
Dentistry, Cabo San Lucas
(624) 143-0520; www.cabosanlucas-dental.com
Alvaro U. Atilano Reynoso
General medicine, surgeon, Amerimed, Cabo San Lucas
(624) 105-0044, Cell: (624) 122-2028; aatilanomd@hotmail.com; www.amccabo.com
Arturo A. Andrade Aguilar
General medicine, surgeon, Amerimed, Cabo San Lucas
(624) 105-0044; www.amccabo.com
Roberto J. Altamira González
Orthodontist
Cabo San Lucas
(624) 143-0579
www.grupoodontologico.org
Blue Net Hospitals
Km 6.5 on Tourist Corridor
Cabo San Lucas
(624) 104-3911
Karyn Brode
SkyMed Medical
(624) 178-0462
Humberto Cantu
Dermatology
Cabo San Lucas
(624) 143-0584
Martha A. Cruz Arredondo
Dentistry
Cabo San Lucas
(624) 143-3340
Paulino Davo
General director for HMAS
(551) 474-8381
Javier Escamilla
Orthopedic surgery
Cabo San Lucas
(624) 143-0575
Dione Beatriz Hernandez Rosales
Psychiatrist
San José del Cabo
(624) 143-0584
Hospital H+ Los Cabos
Km 24.5 on Tourist Corridor
Cerro Colorado,
San Jose del Cabo
(624) 104-9300
Alfonso Jurado
Walk-in clinic
San José del Cabo
(624) 130-7011
Luis Landeros
Ear, nose, and throat
San José del Cabo
(624) 105-8570
Miguel Lechuga and
Fausto M. Lechuga
Ophthalmologists
Km 6.5 on Tourist Corridor
(624) 104-3910
www.drlechuga.com/en/index.html
Roberto Leon
Ear, nose, and throat
Cabo San Lucas
(624) 105-1402
Sara A. Magallanes Jordan
Physiotherapist
Cabo San Lucas
(624) 195-3030
Jose Luis S. Musi
Emergency medicine and house calls
San José del Cabo
(624) 122-4814
Maria del Carmen Ocampo
Dermatology
Cabo San Lucas
(624) 143-7976
One World Hospital
Cabo San Lucas
(624) 143-4911
www.oneworldhospital.com/medical
Pedro Ortiz Garcia
Endodontist dental surgeon
San José del Cabo
(624) 142-6400
Daniel Rodriguez
Interventional cardiologist
Amerimed Medical Offices,
Lazaro Cardenas, Cabo San Lucas
(624) 143-0130
Rafael Gerardo Romero Flores
Cornea and Refractive Surgery
(624) 141-7402
Alejandro Velderrain
Cardiology
San José del Cabo
(624) 142-3031
www.velderrain.net/central/alex/in
Elena Velderrain
Obstetrics gynecology
San José del Cabo
(624) 142-3031
www.velderrain.net/central/mary/in
Rosalba Yanez
Denistry
Leona Vicario 2906-5
Cabo San Lucas
(624) 143-8781