Prepare for Emergencies - Business Travel Now
2005/08/31
South African companies may believe they are becoming more accustomed to sending travelling staff into Africa but, says Diana Sharp, manager of medical operations at Europ Assistance, careful preparation before every trip and having an emergency rescue plan in place is 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 Sharp.
She added: "There are far more solid 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 Sharp - both of which are preventable. Detailed itineraries must be kept, with contact numbers, copies of tickets and all documentation.
Travelling staff should also know who to contact in SA and in the country where they are in an emergency situation. "If assistance companies know exactly where staff are it also really helps because we can assess who we need to contact, prior to an emergency situation," said Sharp.
Travel insurance is always essential, particularly if an emergency evacuation out of an African country is needed. "An airlift out of Nigeria can cost in the region of R400 000. Most medical evacuation companies won't fly unless you have proper insurance or serious financing. Some South African medical aids may cover it, but make sure you check," said Sharp.
Check the terms in the travel insurance policy. In some cases cover may need to be topped-up for travel to certain countries and also depending on the age of the traveller or if there are pre-existing illnesses.
"Expectations also have to be managed. South Africans are usually put off by the look of clinics and hospitals in Africa but we do identify decent facilities with good doctors, for those particular areas. These facilities are good for initial stabilisation after which the patient will be flown out, but flying time needs to be considered. It may take up to eight hours out of SA, eight hours back, and that's without delays or flight clearance problems," said Sharp.
DO YOUR RESEARCH
There should be a documented procedure with a complete list of travellers or people on site and at least two people in South Africa should be responsible for getting the plan in action, says Sharp.
Assess the possible risks and endemic diseases and consider profiling staff for specific diseases, such as asthma and whether the region could exacerbate the symptoms.
Investigate infrastructure in the particular country and collect detailed information from reliable sources on communications, roads, ambulance facilities, firefighting services, medical facilities and air rescue services. This can be done through emergency assistance companies or via Europ Assistance's website which is linked to the International Threat Analysis, which is updated daily.
Rennies Travel also offers an expert level of analysis, with detailed information on specific risk ratings; political, travel and security risks; health risks and medical facilities being provided to clients, says Bronwyn Phillips, manager: consultancy unit at Rennies Travel. This is often difficult to obtain, particularly for less-visited African destinations - she said Rennies' dedicated service allowed companies to get down to business without extra worries.
Sharp also suggests getting in touch with SA representatives in the countries and even touching base with any UN personnel or flying doctors in particularly remote areas.
TIPS:
· Always visit a Travel Clinic if you are travelling for more than three months
· Stock up on any chronic medication
· Do not drive at night
· Do not drink too much alcohol
· Have comprehensive travel insurance and know any exclusions in the policy
· Make copies of passport, visas and air tickets
· Have contact details of local contacts, offices and the emergency service provider
· Leave contact details of family and doctor with the company in SA
· Know exactly who is fetching you from the airport and what vehicle they will be driving
. Do not carry a laptop in a laptop bag, rather put it in a rucksack
· Dress casually if possible
· Always look confident
· Find out the local customs and culture and adhere to them
· Check your cell phone has roaming and there is network coverage
Lucy Siebert
|
