Central America

Cuba

Location

Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, 150 km south of Key West, Florida.

Crime is on the increase. Theft from luggage during baggage handling, both on arrival and departure, is common. Car-related crime and mugging incidents are increasing. Penalties for drug trafficking are severe. Military groups, weapons (various), vehicle security, personal security, ambushes, checkpoints, general travel, navigation, off road driving, building/office security, hot weather injuries, personal hygiene, sanitation/sterilisation, clothing & equipment, emergency first aid, cultures/customs, communications, emergency shelters.

Use bottled water only.

Mostly flat to rolling plains, with rugged hills and mountains in the south-east.

Tropical; moderated by trade winds; dry season (November to April); rainy season (May to October).

The east coast is subject to hurricanes from June to November (in general, the country averages about one hurricane every other year); droughts are common. Flooding.

Dengue fever, hepatitis A, polio, rabies, typhoid, viral meningitis.
Hospital: Civa Garcia International Clinic, Havana. Tel: 7-332605

Air and water pollution; biodiversity loss; deforestation.

Driving standards vary. Many vehicles, including public transport, suffer from lack of maintenance. Roads are poorly lit and sign-posted. Beware cyclists, potholes and cars that stop without warning. If you have an accident which involves a death, the police investigation can take several months. The driver will normally not be allowed to leave Cuba during this time. Avoid picking up hitchhikers.

Hostile Environments and Emergency First Aid Training (HEFAT®) (5 days)
Centurion's flagship Hostile Environments and Emergency First Aid Training (HEFAT®) course is for people who operate world wide, particularly in areas where there may be personal health or safety concerns. It is extremely effective for "frontline" organisations.

For more in-depth general information please download our Preparation and Training document.