[header] How to cope with a crisis at home when traveling [title] Listen to your initial reactions. [step] Is your immediate thought " i have to go back! "? Or is it, " this is awful but i know x will cope with all the family/friend support. "? Your initial reaction will be an important indicator in reaching your final decision. 
[title] Consider whether it is best to establish frequent contact for updates first. [step] Unless it's a matter of life and death, you might want to see how the crisis pans out before really facing the decision.