5 Lessons in Resilience From a Medical Emergency Abroad

Imagine waking up in a foreign country, thousands of miles from home, with a sharp pain in your side and the creeping realization that something is seriously wrong. Facing a medical emergency abroad is daunting enough–but doing it alone, surrounded by unfamiliar faces and languages, is another story entirely.

It was March 20th, 2008 and I woke up in Brussels, Belgium, with sharp pains shooting through my abdomen. My lower back throbbed. I had arrived just the day before, partway through a weeklong business trip, and my first thoughts were, “Maybe I slept funny” or “It must be something I ate last night.”

I popped two ibuprofen and pressed on. The pain subsided for a while, and I made it to the local office. By mid-afternoon, though, it was back, sharper this time, confined to my lower right side. Still, I brushed it off. Stress often hit me in my stomach and today had been an incredibly challenging day.

By evening, I was heading to dinner with coworkers. The rain pattered against the car windows, and every bump in the road made me wince. When we arrived at the restaurant, the group trickled in late, and by the time we ate at 10:00 p.m., I was feeling worse. Not only had my pain increased but I felt uneasy. Something wasn’t right.
Back in my hotel room that night, the pain in my right side had intensified to the point where I couldn’t lie on my preferred side. Pressing on the area below my ribs sent a shockwave of pain that made me jump off the bed. That’s when I knew: this wasn’t normal. I needed help.

The fear hit me like a wave. I was alone in a foreign country, thousands of miles from home. What if I needed surgery? What if no one here could understand me? But as panic started to take hold, I forced myself to focus. Fear wouldn’t get me through this. Action would.

I called the overseas emergency medical number and got a referral to a nearby university hospital. Gripping my room key, I made my way down to the lobby and explained my situation to the hotel manager. He arranged for a taxi, but when it arrived, the driver refused to take a credit card. I only had three euros on me—not nearly enough. We went back and forth. His broken English making it clear he was not happy. I convinced him to stop at an ATM so I could get cash. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, we were on our way.

When we arrived at the hospital around midnight, it looked like the entrance to a back alley in a dangerous part of the city. The dim lighting made me second-guess whether I was even in the right place. I couldn’t see an address to confirm. The taxi driver pointed to the door.

Inside, the emergency room staff seemed indifferent. The clerk I approached didn’t speak English and rudely pointed me to her colleague, who also ignored me. Panic bubbled up again. What was I supposed to do? Was I even at the right hospital?

I stepped outside, the cold air biting my skin as I searched for anyone who could help. Finally, I found an EMT loading an ambulance. He didn’t speak English either, but through a combination of gestures and sheer desperation, I convinced him to talk to the hotel manager on my phone. Miraculously, it worked. He verified I was at the correct hospital and escorted me back to the admissions desk, where—to my astonishment—the other clerk suddenly became helpful. And surprisingly spoke perfect English.

The surgical team explained that I’d need laparoscopic surgery and reassured me that they were among the best in the world. Still, I was scared. It had been over 24 hours since the pain started, and I worried about complications. But the staff’s calm professionalism eased my fears.

By the time they wheeled me into surgery, it was nearly midnight, and snow was gently falling outside. That serene image stayed with me as the anesthesia took hold. When I woke up, the pain was minimal, and I felt immense relief—not just from the surgery but from knowing I’d made it through a terrifying ordeal.

The following morning, a coworker called to check on me and offered to bring anything I needed. His kindness touched me deeply. In that moment, I realized how much even small gestures of support can mean when you’re vulnerable and far from home.

Looking back, what stands out most is the resilience I found in myself. Facing the unknown—pain, language barriers, and loneliness—forced me to dig deep and stay calm when it mattered most. And while I wouldn’t wish appendicitis on anyone, the experience left me stronger, more resourceful, and profoundly grateful for the kindness of strangers.

5 Lessons in Resilience From a Medical Emergency Abroad

1. Calm Your Mind, Take Control
   • As I learned during my own medical emergency abroad, staying calm can feel impossible, but it’s crucial for taking control of the situation.
   • Deep, slow breaths can help reduce anxiety and allow you to focus on the steps needed to manage the crisis.
   • A calmer body and focused mind make it easier to assess the situation and plan your next steps.
2. Be Prepared: Your Travel Emergency Toolkit
   • Carry a list of emergency contact numbers, especially local ones.
   • Consult a health care professional for required vaccinations before travelling.
   • Keep cash in the local currency along with credit cards for flexibility.
   • Learn basic phrases in the local language (e.g. directions, hospital, taxi, etc.).
   • Always carry copies of your passport or official identification.
   • Pack essential medications and a small first aid kit.
   • Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts.
   • Register your travel with your local embassy.
   • Understand local customs, laws and emergency numbers.
   • Consider travel insurance to cover medical emergencies, lost luggage or cancellations
3. The Power of Accepting Kindness
   • Most people are willing to help in emergencies. Trust your instincts when accepting assistance.
   • In my case, the kindness of the hotel manager and the EMT prevented my situation from becoming far worse.
4. Dealing with Loneliness During a Crisis
   • Acknowledge your feelings of fear, anxiety, or loneliness. Suppressing them can make things harder.
   • Reach out to loved ones or contacts using modern technology if possible.
   • Break the situation into manageable tasks: prioritize immediate needs and take it step by step.
5. Finding Strength in the Unexpected
   • Practice mindfulness exercises like deep breathing to maintain focus.
   • Prioritize basic needs such as water, food, medication and shelter.
   • Small actions can have a significant impact during an emergency.
   • Maintain a positive attitude. Optimism can help you find solutions and stay motivated.
   • Preparation gives you more options and confidence in challenging situations.

Life doesn’t always give us the luxury of preparation when challenges strike, but it does give us the chance to grow. Facing a medical emergency abroad taught me resilience and reminded me that the kindness of strangers can turn even the most frightening health crisis into a moment of personal growth.