Prepare for emergencies

2005/08/31

South African compa­nies may believe they are becoming more experi­enced in sending staff into Africa, but Diana Sharp, manager of medical opera­tions at Europ Assistance, says agents should warn cli­ents that careful preparation before trips and having an emergency rescue plan in place are always essential.

"Don't take travelling in Africa lightly and remember to be realistic in an emer­gency situation.
"Getting someone out of Africa takes longer and companies need to have an understanding of the infrastructure before an emergency happens," said Diana.

"There are far more deals happening in Africa and South African companies and individuals are better prepared but they are also becoming more blasé. The problems in Africa, such as terrible roads in rural areas, are still the same."

The two biggest causes of emergency evacuations in the continent remain malar­ia and car accidents, says Diana - both of which are preventable.

"People don't seem to take malaria seriously. It's a serious illness and you can die from it, yet preventing it is so simple. I also recommend that people do not drive at night and make sure they use a reliable driver who knows the area," she said.

Lucy Siebert