internationalsos.com - Press releases
International SOS Completes 87 Evacuations, Assists 100 Clients in Wake of Haiti Earthquake02 February 2010Trevose, PA
In response to the January 12 earthquake in Haiti, International SOS provided extensive emergency assistance to more than 100 clients, including corporations, NGOs, governmental organizations, and individuals. In total, International SOS completed 87 evacuations and performed 28 missions, and continues to support clients with employees, students, faculty, relief workers, and other personnel affected by the disaster especially those who are still in the region or sending more personnel.
In the immediate wake of the earthquake, International SOS activated a crisis management team led out of its Philadelphia alarm center and began coordination operations. The global team included medical, security, aviation and logistics experts, as well as an incident management team that operated on the ground in Port-Au-Prince and Santo Domingo for 10 days following the disaster. Working with secured assets and specialized providers, the team coordinated 28 missions. At this time, the team still has a presence operating between the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Security expertise is provided by the joint venture between International SOS and Control Risks. Throughout the crisis response, the International SOS team in Haiti provided the company’s network of 25 alarm centers around the world with up-to-the-minute reports to help their locally based members who were seeking information on colleagues in Haiti and conditions on the ground. “We were able to tap into our pre-established network in Haiti to secure information and provide transportation and protection for our clients,” said Suzanne Garber, COO of the Americas, International SOS. “Many of the organizations we support also had their own integrated risk management programs in place before the earthquake– this is something we always advise. By not waiting for a crisis and having the proper preparations in place, these companies provided excellent duty of care and helped to ensure the safety of their employees. “Looking ahead to those organizations going into Haiti, we advise having an integrated risk management program in place because that’s the best way to protect the safety and well-being of their staff as well an organization’s reputation.” International SOS estimates its alarm center in Philadelphia has received more than 10,000 calls for assistance since this disaster. Of the 87 evacuations conducted by International SOS so far, members’ home countries include the United States, Spain, Uganda, Kenya, Italy, Belgium, France, Germany, Senegal, Canada, Luxembourg and others. To complete evacuation missions, International SOS utilized jets, propeller aircraft, secure vehicle convoys, a secured compound and air ambulances. Travel security and medical email alerts were sent to clients around the world advising of the earthquake with analysis and advice. In addition, subsequent alerts were distributed that highlighted the impact of the events as well as emerging health and safety issues. International SOS and Control Risks utilized their proprietary travel tracker system to identify members in the affected areas, in addition to responding to calls that came in to International SOS alarm centers in Philadelphia, London and elsewhere. About International SOS Operating in over 70 countries, International SOS (http://www.internationalsos.com/) helps organizations manage the health and security risks facing their travellers and international expatriates. Using its worldwide network of alarm centers, clinics, and over 55,000 health and logistics providers, the company offers local expertise, preventative advice, and emergency assistance during critical illness, accident, or civil unrest. International SOS provides medical and security information services, medical consulting, staffing support, occupational healthcare, and healthcare management services globally. In 2008 the company handled over 1,000,000 cases, including nearly 18,000 evacuations. International SOS works in partnership with businesses, governments and non-governmental organizations and currently provides key services to 83 percent of the Fortune Global 100 companies. Working in some of the most inhospitable places on earth, International SOS offers international standards of medical care where it is not available or where cultural and language barriers exist. About Control Risks Media Contact information: Erin Giordano Meghan Moran Sara Bracceschi |
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