Cuba fieldcourse 2010

HEALTH AND SAFETY INFORMATION

• 
  Many medicines are unavailable in Cuba so you should bring any prescription drugs you take regularly. A copy of the prescription and a letter from your doctor explaining your condition can be helpful at customs. Make sure you carry essential medication with you while out in the field. You should have a dental and medical check before departing for Cuba.
  
• 
  If you feel unwell or require medical attention, your first contact should be Neil or Gavin. If you are out in the field they can be contacted by mobile on 00447770220991 (Gavin) or 00447786335295 (Neil).
  

Other numbers you may require are: (Note Operators are likely to speak Spanish)

115 – Fire Department, 113 – Directory Inquires

116 – Police, 185 – Ambulance

Please be familiar with these numbers and keep a paper copy of them with you at all times.

Police in Cuba: Policía Nacional Revolucionaria is on Picota between Leonor Perez and San Isidro (near Estacion Central de Ferrocarril).
Medical Problems:

• 
  Hospital Nacional Hermanos Ameijeiras, San Lázaro No 701 at Padre Varel (off Malecon in Vedado)
  
• 
  Pharmacy: San Rafael No 108 (Behind Hotel Inglaterra, Near to Capitolo Building)
  
• 
  If you visit a doctor in Cuba, keep receipts for fees or medicine. You will need these for any insurance claim on your return.
  

Address: Calle 34 No. 702/4 entre 7ma Avenida y 17, Miramar

Telephone: (53) (7) 204 1771, Fax: (53) (7) 204 8104 Consular / Management

Email:embrit@ceniai.inf.cu (Chancery/Consular/Visa/Management)

Office Hours: Mon-Fri: 0800-1530;

Website: www.britishembassy.gov.uk/cuba; British Council britcouncil@enet.cu

To help reduce the risk of DVT while flying long haul:

• 
  Avoid crossing your legs while seated; Carry out foot and leg exercises while seated; Stand up and stretch your arms and legs from time to time; Walk around whenever possible; Wear loose fitting clothes
  
• 
  Keep hydrated by drinking enough water Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks
  

A departure tax (per person) of 25CUCs has to be paid on departure from Cuba.

• 
  Students attending the field course with a pre existing medical condition should attend University Occupational Health Department where they will be assessed for medical fitness to participate in the trip. A ‘Fitness for Field Trip’ certificate will be issued to the student member and a copy will be sent to the fieldtrip leader. This will include advice on medical fitness and may include any additional medical information if considered appropriate e.g. epilepsy, diabetes. This will only be included with the student member’s informed consent. However, if consent is withheld it will be necessary to give serious consideration as to whether it is possible to issue a fitness certificate.
  
• 
  You should bring documentation with any medication.
  

You will be issued with a map of Havana. Ensure at least one person in your group has a guide book. Carry University ID card at all times. Also:

• 
  You must not hire a vehicle while on the field course.
  
• 
  Only use licensed taxis or buses. Do not use three-wheel coco-taxis
  
• 
  Pavements uneven and potholes are common - take care especially when it is dark.
  
• 
  Be aware that cars drive on the right hand side of the road.
  

• 
  At reception try to avoid letting other people hearing your name and room number
  
• 
  Do not allow people into your room unless you know who they are
  
• 
  Make sure your windows and door are locked even when you are in the room
  
• 
  If you hear a disturbance, stay in your room and phone for help
  
• 
  Do not swim in the hotel swimming pool alone
  
• 
  Do not drink alcohol while swimming
  
• 
  Ensure valuables are stored safely (preferably in a locked safe)
  

• 
  If you eat something you shouldn’t have, the most likely symptom will be diarrhoea. If so, drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. If you feel up to eating, stick to plain foods – rice and bread. Products like Immodium will alleviate some of the symptoms of diarrhoea but will do nothing about the cause so they are normally best avoided unless we are going on a long trip (e.g. the flight home!) If you are ill, please let us know.
  

• 
  Make sure that you only eat food that has been well cooked. If in doubt, leave it!
  
• 
  Do not eat food that seems to have been reheated or which may have been left to cool for some time. Avoid uncooked food that may have been washed in tap water (such as salads). Having said that, the food is part of the experience so try it!!!
  

• 
  You must not drink the tap water. You can buy bottled water (make sure the seal has not been broken) from lots of places around Havana. It will probably cost you about $1 per bottle (but you can find it cheaper).
  
• 
  Avoid eating food that may have been washed in tap water (e.g. salads) and avoid ice.
  
• 
  You should also wash you teeth with bottled water.
  
• 
  Make sure that you drink plenty of water each day so that you do not suffer from dehydration. Always carry a bottle of water with you as you walk around.
  
• 
  Avoid drinking alcohol – particularly during the heat of the day.
  
• 
  Take water with you onto the plane. During the flights, avoid alcohol, drink lots of water and take some exercise.
  

It will be hot! Take care in the sun. Even on days that do not appear to be very hot – the sun may burn you. Make sure you wear and carry with you a high factor sun cream. Avoid being out in the sun from 12-2pm and walking around in the hottest part of the day.

• 
  Drink lots of non-alcoholic fluids.
  
• 
  If you get headaches, feel lethargic or giddy after some time in the sun – sit in the shade and drink lots of water. You may find it useful to add salt to your food since the salt requirements of your body will increase in the heat. Wear a hat and keep covered up.
  

• 
  Try to cover up in the evenings – particularly around dusk to reduce the likelihood of being bitten. Use a mosquito repellent spray – especially in the evenings.
  
• 
  Though most of the more serious tropical diseases are rare in Cuba, viral meningitis and dengue fever do occasionally break out both in Havana and in other provinces of Cuba. For dengue fever, use mosquito repellent and suitable clothing to avoid being bitten. Hepatitis A is common, particularly in the summer
  

• 
  Be aware of any delicate issues involved with discussions or interviews.
  
• 
  Ensure that the public and property owners understand what you are doing
  
• 
  Do not underestimate the importance of body language
  
• 
  Talk yourself out of problems; placate rather than provoke. Do not be enticed into an argument. Avoid an aggressive stance. Crossed arms or hands on hips may challenge and confront. Conduct interviews at neutral locations or public spaces.
  
• 
  Always conduct interviews in a group with at least one other person present.
  
• 
  Do not stand in places where you will be causing an obstruction.
  
• 
  Cuba is a one-party state. There is a high level of social control and a strong police presence. There are widespread restrictions on freedom of speech, association and assembly for Cuban nationals. Political demonstrations or gatherings not sanctioned by the government may be broken up and should be avoided.
  
• 
  Remember that Cubans understand their political situation far better than you do. Don’t generate political discussions in bars, hotel lobbies or other public places where you might embarrass someone without even realising.
  
• 
  Avoid military zones and other restricted areas that are not always well sign-posted. Be particularly careful when taking photographs or video film.
  

In December 2006, a British tourist was stabbed in Havana. The non-fatal stabbing took place as the victim was being mugged in the early evening in the Vedado area of Havana.

• 
  Do not go out alone. Make sure you have a map of the city with you. Avoid quiet, poorly lit streets after dark. There have been some attacks on tourists in Centro Havana at night. Do not walk through this area at night.
  
• 
  Walk with confidence and purpose. Try not to look as if you are not sure where you are going. Avoid areas known to be ‘unpleasant’
  

• 
  Behave inconspicuously and not provocatively. Dress modestly and avoid showing off possessions and cash. Do not carry large sums of money.
  
• 
  Ensure that group activity does not distract from traffic hazards.
  
• 
  Be aware that pavements are uneven and potholes are common in Havana.
  
• 
  Be aware that cars drive on the right hand side
  
• 
  Beware of pickpockets and bag-snatchers, especially in the area of Old Havana, on buses/trains, at major tourist sites and in nightclubs. Don’t flaunt expensive possessions.
  
• 
  You should carry a copy of your passport and not the original, which should be locked away with other valuables (preferably in a safe).
  

• 
  Only use the approved part of the beach. Take safety advice, and aim to swim where there is a Lifeguard on patrol. Check safety information, warning signs and flags. NEVER swim where a sign says not to, or when a Red flag is flying.
  
• 
  Spot any dangers by checking out the beach when you arrive. Be aware of physical hazards such as rocks, piers, groynes and breakwaters. Be aware of currents and waves – look for undertow currents and dangerous rip currents.
  
• 
  Do not go out of your depth
  
• 
  Do not swim alone