Client Story
Delivering Life-Saving Support for Plan International
Updated
Emergency medical assistance is the coordinated provision of medical expertise, treatment guidance, and logistical support during a health emergency. It helps organizations respond to critical incidents, access appropriate care, and protect employees working in challenging or remote locations.
Delivering Support in High-Risk Environments
“All the preparation in the world isn’t going to help you for the changes that are happening.”
– Chad Cole, Director of Global Safety & Security, Plan International
Plan International is a global development and humanitarian organisation founded in 1937. Today, Plan International is active in over 80 countries globally, operating across Africa, the Americas, and Asia, working to promote children’s rights and advance gender equality. In 2025 alone, its programming reached approximately 26.1 million girls through initiatives spanning education, protection from violence, disaster preparedness, youth empowerment, and health.
For Chad Cole and his global safety team, preparation is essential, but true resilience comes from acting decisively when the unexpected strikes.
Responding to a Life-Threatening Medical Emergency
While traveling to a community project, two staff members were attacked. One suffered moderate injuries; the other faced a life-threatening situation. Local medical capacity was extremely limited, and the prognosis was grim: the staff member could lose a limb or her life.
“We had a medical case that ran for a year. Two of our staff were injured in an ambush.”
How International SOS Delivered Emergency Medical Assistance
Chad and his team worked closely with International SOS to:
- Source critical antibiotics and improve in-country care.
- Explore medevac options for safer treatment.
- Make rapid, informed decisions backed by global expertise.
“I was in constant contact with International SOS.”
Providing Expert Medical Support and 24/7 Assistance
International SOS provided the speed and resources needed to save a life and preserve mobility. For staff on the ground, the reassurance was priceless:
“There’s always someone on the other end of the phone, 24/7, when they’re really in distress.”
Protecting Staff and Maintaining Mission Continuity
Following the incident, International SOS helped Plan International navigate a complex medical emergency by providing access to global medical expertise, treatment guidance, and ongoing support. This enabled informed decision-making throughout the response, helping the injured employee access appropriate care while reducing the risks associated with limited local medical capacity.
The support provided not only helped preserve mobility and well-being but also enabled Plan International to maintain focus on its mission in a challenging operating environment.
Why Emergency Medical Assistance Matters
Plan International operates in some of the world’s most volatile regions, where every decision can mean the difference between life and death. Partnering with International SOS gives them immediate access to global medical expertise, crisis management resources, and logistical support.
This partnership is not just about safety; it’s about safeguarding their mission, protecting their people, and maintaining the ability to deliver life-changing programs even in the most unpredictable environments.
“The value of International SOS is making sure I can present more options with more resources to country offices, regional offices, and leadership.”