A+E abroad?

[Orangesandlemons82]

I'm currently in Sardinia. Yesterday I tripped over a step and landed hard on my knee on concrete. I cut the top of my toe but I have steri stripped that. The shopkeeper gave me cold packs and I managed to get back to the car. This morning it is more painful and I can't bend the knee but I can weight bare and walk. I don't want to ruin everyone's holiday by going to a+e, I don't speak Italian and expect it is more of a soft tissue injury. Would you go to a+e or hope for the best?! We are home Saturday, provided easyjet don't cancel any more flights!

tbh I would go and get it checked in case it's more damage and needs further treatment.

I don't know about sardinia, but in many european countries the gp sees minor injuries.
ask at the hotel or your holiday rep where best to go.

google lens and translate are excellent for helping with translation. and many health care staff speak decent english.

whatever you do: rest, ice and elevation as much as possible.

forgot to say: good luck and I hope you can enjoy the rest of the holiday.

You're looking for a hospital with Pronto Soccorso.
Most hospitals have one. They aren't like the A&E we have, but more of a triage set up.
Where are you in Sardinia? I can look for the nearest one for you?

Soft tissue injuries often feel worse the next day. Personally I’d continue with RICE and see how it develops for the next day or so, but that’s what I’d do at home too.

@Geamhradh thank you! We are in Costa Paradiso. It would be good to know where one is in case it gets worse.

If you decide you need to go to A and E, call your holiday insurer first. They will tell you which doctor or hospital to use and make arrangements for payment directly to the treatment provider.

Our insurer was very helpful when I broke my arm in Spain and I got amazingly fast and efficient treatment.

@Dressingdown1 that's a good point. Thank you. I have found their phone number and will call them if I decide to go. My husband thinks I should but I prefer the watch and wait approach and painkillers!

If I was at home I would go to the Minor injuries unit, I think I am put off by my awful Italian and comprehension. I started to learn it during lockdown, I really wish I had carried on now!

I have been in accident and emergency in Zante (terrifying) and Turkey (grim but ok) and Australia (amazing). I think Italy would be ok but as others say, phone your insurance first. They may send you private. Don’t worry about the language. Likely someone will speak English.