In case of an actual medical emergency involving an AFS participant, host parents should call 911 or immediately bring the student to the nearest emergency room. When you learn of the medical concern, please call 1-800-AFS-INFO (800-237-4636) and press 9 to report it.
As an AFS volunteer, you serve as a primary point of contact for host families and students, and therefore they are encouraged and expected to report to you in the event of any medical concern that arises for a participant that is either serious or ongoing. AFS expects volunteers to report these instances to AFS staff as well. Such matters include:
- Any illness or injury that does not self-resolve with time and home care/self care
- Any illness or injury requiring multiple appointments by a medical provider
- Any illness or injury that may require the engagement of a medical specialist (such as an ENT (Ear Nose and Throat Specialist) or Orthopedist
- Any illness or injury which causes any student to miss significant school (more than 3-4 days)
High level or emergency medical situations MUST be reported to AFS-USA staff or the AFS-USA Duty Officer immediately. These situations include the following:
- Hospital admittance
- Surgery
- Suicidal ideation/ self-harm
- Alcohol/ drug abuse
- Car accident
Colds, sore throats, flu, upper respiratory infections, sprains, and uncomplicated childhood diseases do not need to be reported to AFS-USA. Please only report these events if they appear to linger for an unusually long period of time after visiting a medical professional.
Serious Illness and Hospital Admittance
Serious illness and hospital admittance must be reported immediately to AFS-USA staff or the AFS Duty Officer (if after business hours). This information will be shared with the participant’s sending family via the AFS Partner Office in the participant’s home country.
If an AFS participant is admitted to a hospital, it is important to have the following information
when making the report:
- Name and country of participant
- Date of accident or commencement of illness/injury that led to hospitalization
- Date and approximate time of hospitalization
- Name, address, and phone number of hospital
- Name and telephone number of attending physician
- Diagnosis of illness/injury and prognosis for recovery
- Treatment (what medication is being given, what other tests are planned)
Automobile Accidents
Automobile accidents must be reported to AFS-USA as quickly as possible. Even if there is no
apparent injury, the AFS participant must be seen by a physician. A Medical Claim Form should
also be completed and submitted to AFS-USA.
To download the AFS Medical Claim Form, click here.
Click here to access AFS guidance to host families regarding serious medical situations and
accidents.