Background:
At a recent corporate incentive meeting in Honolulu, a significant medical challenge arose that demonstrated the value of InHouse Physicians’ on-site medical support services for meetings. The group included employees, spouses, and children. Among the attendees was a 6-year-old Japanese boy who, amid the festivities, developed a life threating medical emergency.
Presenting Challenge:
The boy’s family noticed that during their 8-hour flight from Tokyo their son was feeling very tired, drowsy, and thirsty. His symptoms at the event progressed and the child had also developed an upset stomach and nausea.
Though the symptoms were vague, the parents were concerned about their boy’s health. In their welcome packet they had noticed that an on-site “company doctor” would be supporting the group. The physician’s direct cell phone number had been published so they decided to contact the physician to schedule a time for a visit.
IHP's Response:
The parents were happily surprised that the doctor was in the hotel and spoke fluent Japanese! The IHP physicians made a “house call” to the family’s room to evaluate their son. Dr. Kaczynski was a board-certified emergency medicine physician with extensive medical experience in Japan who understood the Japanese culture. This put the family at ease.
Though the symptoms were nonspecific, Dr. Kaczynski’s physical exam of the boy suggested a life-threatening illness - diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) - a condition that, if not treated swiftly, can lead to long-term consequences including death. Rapid urine and blood tests at the hotel confirmed the diagnosis of DKA.
The boy received medical treatment by the IHP on-site physician and paramedic including IV fluids and medication. The IHP physician arranged for a smooth transport to the local pediatric emergency room where the diagnoses was also confirmed.
Outcome and Insights:
The boy had developed new onset, Type 1 diabetes that was unknown to the parents. Because the child was undiagnosed, he had not been receiving regular insulin injections and developed diabetic ketoacidosis. The boy was admitted to the hospital where he received intensive medical treatment and was discharged three days later with a comprehensive diabetes management plan.
The IHP team's presence not only provided top-tier medical care, but also extended its support to the boy's family in managing potential healthcare expenses. IHP’s efforts ensured that the boy’s medical team back in Japan was well-informed. In addition, insurance paperwork was completed by the IHP team saving the family from financial stress.
Conclusion:
This case underscores the indispensable role of having an adept medical team like IHP on-site during events. Not all attendee medical issues are life threating, though in this case, the IHP team’s professionalism, swift decision-making, and holistic approach to care made the difference between a potential tragedy and an attendee experience success.
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