Categories:
NewsDecember 3, 2015
Boston, Mass., December 2, 2015 – Global Rescue, a worldwide provider of integrated medical, security, intelligence, travel risk and crisis management services to academic institutions, enterprises, governments and individuals, today announced its new alliance with The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS), which serves college-preparatory boarding schools in the United States, Canada, and around the globe.
Under the terms of the agreement, Global Rescue becomes the exclusive global medical and security evacuation provider to TABS, offering global travel risk and crisis management services to TABS and its member institutions. TABS members benefit from Global Rescue’s worldwide medical and security response, travel risk, travel intelligence, and emergency action planning and training services. The company’s services also include medical support from critical care paramedics and physicians; referrals to local medical providers and hospitals, including more than 200 Centers of Excellence; and travel assistance, including legal referrals and assistance with lost passports and travel documents.
“Global Rescue’s experience and travel risk management expertise are critically important for our members as they work to understand and meet their Duty of Care in an increasingly complex global environment,” said Steve Banks, Director of Operations at TABS. “Our goal is for students at TABS academic institutions to pursue their travels around the world, knowing that an effective response during medical or security emergencies is available.”
“TABS leadership is instrumental in educating member institutions about the risks associated with any domestic or international travel program,” said Global Rescue CEO and founder Dan Richards. “We look forward to a strong collaboration with a shared commitment to student health and safety.”
At the annual TABS Conference in Boston, Mass, on December 3, 2015, Global Rescue CEO and founder Dan Richards will present, “Travel Risk and Crisis Management Solutions for Academic Institutions.” Richards will discuss the impact of the Hotchkiss case verdict, perhaps the single most important legal issue currently confronting travel study programs. In 2007, a teenager on a school-sponsored trip to China fell ill with an insect-borne disease that was contracted on a hike, permanently losing her ability to speak, many of her fine motor skills and some of her cognitive capacity. The appeal of the $41M judgment against the Hotchkiss School is now before the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. This session will focus on the lessons learned and “duty of care” obligations to identify, assess, and mitigate the risks associated with any domestic or international travel program.
About TABS
The Association of Boarding Schools serves college-preparatory boarding schools in the United States, Canada, and around the globe. The Association leads a domestic and international effort to promote awareness and understanding of boarding schools and to expand the applicant pool for member institutions. TABS is the comprehensive, indispensable resource for educators seeking training, research, guidance, and support on all issues pertaining to the residential school experience. TABS is the voice for independent boarding schools, their historical contribution to our world, and the current and compelling benefits of living and learning in an academic community.
About Global Rescue
Global Rescue is a worldwide provider of integrated medical, security, intelligence, travel risk management and crisis response services to enterprises, governments, associations and individuals. Founded in partnership with Johns Hopkins Medicine, Global Rescue’s unique operational model provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to crises worldwide. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to clients during every globally significant crisis of the last decade. Memberships start at $119.
For more information, call +1-617-459-4200 or visit www.globalrescue.com.
Media Contact:
Ann Shannon
Global Rescue
press@globalrescue.com
617-426-6619
Categories:
NewsNovember 25, 2015
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NewsNovember 24, 2015
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NewsNovember 22, 2015
November 17, 2015
After multiple terrorist attacks on Friday, the security situation in Paris is stabilizing as authorities are actively tracking down one individual alleged to have been involved in the attacks and others who potentially were involved. Tighter security at tourist sites, the airports, and borders may lead to delays for students, tourists, and businesspeople traveling, planning to travel, or living in Paris.
Paris is Open to Visitors
Paris is now getting back to normal with almost all major iconic cultural and tourist sites open, including the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. “Scheduled travel can proceed since the airports are open,” says Scott Hume, Associate Director of Security Response Services for Global Rescue. “There’s little threat of a follow-up attack. Paris will slowly return to normal with the next few days, but a heightened security presence will be in place indefinitely.”
Travel In and Out of Paris
The high-speed Eurostar trains between London and Paris were unusually empty this past weekend. Eurostar is advising travelers to “please allow for additional time to check in and complete all security checks before travel.”
Most major airlines are now operating normally, going into and out of Paris. However, many carriers understand that some travelers feel uncomfortable and may want to reschedule their trips. Air France, United, and American Airlines have announced policies to accommodate people who bought tickets. Terms vary, but include the ability to waive change fees, allow passengers the opportunity to reschedule, apply the value of an original ticket towards a new ticket, postpone a trip, change your origin or destination, or cancel a trip entirely with a non-refundable voucher valid for one year.
Heightened Security
“A high volume of police and security services have already begun their investigations around Paris,” says Scott Hume. If you’re scheduled to fly, you might want to give yourself extra time to get to the airport and to go through tightened security. Consider signing up for alerts from your carrier to receive instant notification on flight changes.
The threat of terrorism in Europe is not new, and countries across the continent have been actively engaged in both domestic and international counterterrorism operations for many years. “These attacks unfortunately provide more evidence that travelers need to remain vigilant and have emergency plans in place, even in countries and cities that are commonly perceived to be safe,” says Joe Mroszczyk, Manager of Intelligence Products and Services at Global Rescue. “Countries that are participating in the bombing campaigns against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria have an elevated risk for retaliatory attacks from the terrorist group and its sympathizers.” However, it is important to also keep in mind that, despite the Paris attacks, these types of mass casualty terrorist attacks in Europe are rare.
Recommendations for tourists, students, and business travelers in Paris
–Scheduled travel can proceed with no issues since airports remain open.
–There is little threat of a follow on terrorist attack. Within the next few days, Paris will slowly return to normal, albeit with a heightened security presence which will be in place indefinitely.
–A high volume of police and security services will be conducting investigations around the city.
— Maintain your ability to communicate — program your cell phone with emergency numbers.
— Vigilance needs to extend across the continent. This is no longer simply a problem for Paris or for France; it is potentially a problem for all of Europe. No matter where you travel, there is reason to be vigilant.
— Do not use public transportation at the height of day when most people travel.
— Avoid big crowds or large events.
Categories:
NewsNovember 17, 2015
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NewsNovember 15, 2015
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Missions & Member TestimonialsNovember 13, 2015
Biking is a healthy, environmentally sound, and inherently safe activity practiced by millions of enthusiasts each year. Nonetheless, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported over 48,000 bike injuries across the U.S. in 2013. The total cost, estimated by the National Safety Council, exceeded $4 billion.
Protection for When Things Go Wrong on the Road
As with any form of cycling, whether it’s a leisurely afternoon ride across the neighborhood, a 412 mile road trip climb up California’s Pacific Coast Highway, or a 2000’ descent through Pennsylvania’s Allegheny Mountains, there exists a level of risk. To help meet that risk, Global Rescue announced a partnership with the Adventure Cycling Association, North America’s largest non-profit membership bicycling organization. Partnering with Global Rescue allows Adventure Cycling members to manage that risk with access to Global Rescue’s medical advisory and medical and security evacuation services.
“Bicycle tourists want peace of mind, knowing that there is help if things go wrong on the road,” said Global Rescue CEO Dan Richards. He added, “The Adventure Cycling Association’s focus on inspiring travel by bicycle is exactly the type of organization that aligns with Global Rescue.”
Life-Saving Resource for Adventure Cycling Members
Demonstrating its commitment to Adventure Cycling members’ safety, the Adventure Cycling Association will subsidize a portion of the Global Rescue membership fee for its members. “As Adventure Cycling works to grow bicycle travel in the United States, we strive to provide our members, and the bicycle travel community, with access to the highest quality resources,” said Brian Bonham of the Adventure Cycling Association. He added, “Whether traveling cross country or across town, cyclists all over the world can benefit from the life-saving resources and services that Global Rescue provides.”
The Premier Bicycle-Travel Organization in North America
Established in 1973 as Bikecentennial, the American Cycling Association is the premier bicycle-travel organization in North America, with more than 40 years of experience, and 48,000 members. Providing national support for bicycle travel, implementing an official Bicycle Route System (with more than 50,000 miles of routes), and partnering with national, state, and local organizations to build bicycle tourism are just a few of American Cycling Association’s activities; helping to cultivate public awareness of the health, economic, environmental, and transportation benefits improving cycling infrastructure are among others.
“With its passion for bicycle tourism, the Adventure Cycling Association has been inspiring active lifestyles for 40 years,” said Global Rescue CEO Dan Richards. “We fully support Adventure Cycling and its members in their adventures on the road.”
Global Rescue wants to hear about your cycling passion too. Readers…tell us about a “wheel” adventure that you’ve experienced.
Lebanon, New Hampshire, November 12, 2015 – Global Rescue, a worldwide provider of integrated medical, security, intelligence, travel risk management, and crisis response services to enterprises, governments and individuals, today announced it will partner with the Adventure Cycling Association, North America’s largest non-profit membership bicycling association. Global Rescue is the exclusive medical and security evacuation services provider for Adventure Cycling members.
As a nonprofit organization, the Adventure Cycling Association’s mission is to inspire and empower people to travel by bicycle. Established in 1976 as Bikecentennial, Adventure Cycling is the premier bicycle-travel organization in North America with more than 40 years of experience and 48,000 members.
Demonstrating its commitment to Adventure Cycling members’ safety, the organization will subsidize a portion of the Global Rescue membership fee for Adventure Cycling members. With any adventure-based cycling, whether long road trips or multi-day mountain bike trips, there is a level of risk that goes along with the activity. Partnering with Global Rescue allows Adventure Cycling members to manage that risk with access to Global Rescue’s medical advisory and medical and security evacuation services when things go wrong on the road.
“As Adventure Cycling works to grow bicycle travel in the United States, we strive to provide our members, and the bicycle travel community, with access to the highest quality resources,” said Brian Bonham of the Adventure Cycling Association. “Whether traveling cross country or across town, cyclists all over the world can benefit from the life-saving resources and services that Global Rescue provides.”
“With its passion for bicycle tourism, the Adventure Cycling Association has been inspiring active lifestyles for 40 years,” said Global Rescue CEO Dan Richards. “We fully support Adventure Cycling and its members in their adventures on the road.”
About Adventure Cycling Association
As a nonprofit organization, Adventure Cycling Association’s mission is to inspire and empower people to travel by bicycle. Established in 1976 as Bikecentennial, we are the premier bicycle-travel organization in North America with more than 40 years of experience and 48,000 members.
About Global Rescue
Global Rescue is a worldwide provider of integrated medical, security, intelligence, travel risk management and crisis response services to corporations, governments and individuals. Founded in partnership with Johns Hopkins Medicine, Global Rescue’s unique operational model provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to potential threats. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to clients during every globally significant crisis of the last decade. Memberships start at $119 and entitle members to rescue and transport services to their home hospital of choice.
For more information, call +1-617-459-4200 or visit www.globalrescue.com.
Media Contact:
Ann Shannon
press@globalrescue.com
617-426-6619
Categories:
Missions & Member TestimonialsOctober 22, 2015
Barbara and Jed Abrams celebrating on the Yangtze
For their 42nd anniversary, Barbara and Jed Abrams traveled to China for what was supposed to be a trip of a lifetime. Unfortunately, three weeks into the trip, just prior to walking along the Great Wall and one day before the end of their trip, Jed Abrams suddenly collapsed. Pale and dizzy, he was rushed for treatment to a local emergency room and then to a hospital in Beijing owned by an American company.
“The emergency room doctor told me that if Jed had gotten on a plane to return home, it was highly unlikely he would make it off the plane alive,” Barbara said.
The Abramses’ tour director immediately reported the event to the couple’s travel insurance carrier. However, Barbara did not receive the prompt response that would have helped her. She was alone in an unfamiliar city, and no one else spoke English except for the doctors, nursing staff and staff at her hotel. Everyone else was speaking a language she didn’t understand, and Barbara felt lost.
“When my husband collapsed without warning at the Great Wall and landed in a hospital where he needed, among other things, four units of blood, I was stranded, alone and frightened more than I had ever been in my life,” said Barbara. “[I was] relying upon Chinese taxi cab drivers to get me to and from the hospital and hotel. The rides were 45 minutes of harrowing in-and-out kamikaze moments tinged with pure terror as we navigated looming buses, cars, motorcycles and weaving pedestrians.”
After waiting two days for her insurance company to help and still no response, Barbara turned to Global Rescue.
Global Rescue immediately launched into action, deploying personnel from its Bangkok Operations Center. “In three hours, Global Rescue had reviewed Jed’s medical file with doctors at Johns Hopkins, assuring me they would take over responsibility for Jed’s care and arrange for his return to the U.S.,” said Barbara. “I wept with relief. Global Rescue did what they said they would.”
Global Rescue deployed a member of their critical care transport team to Beijing to assist the Abramses. Global Rescue also arranged for a van and English-speaking “fixer” for Barbara to get back and forth between the hotel and hospital, ending her series of terrifying cab rides.

The couple enjoying a rickshaw ride
“Once Global Rescue arrived at the hospital in Beijing, they took over immediately and made all the arrangements. It was as if the weight of the world had been lifted from my shoulders,” Barbara said. “As a result, my energies could then be focused solely on my husband’s and my emotional needs.”
A few days later, Jed was stabilized and certified as fit to fly by Global Rescue physicians. Global Rescue arranged for three seats on a flight from Beijing to Seattle, Washington, with a member Global Rescue transport team continuing to monitor Jed’s condition throughout the flight.
When airport security sought to prevent the group from bringing medical equipment onto the plane, Global Rescue’s paramedic stated clearly and firmly that he was Jed’s lifeline, and that he would not have his patient put at risk. Ultimately, security allowed everyone to board the plane with the necessary medical supplies.
“After much back and forth, he prevailed,” Barbara wrote about the incident. “Never once did he raise his voice or telegraph any contentiousness.”
In Seattle, the Abramses boarded their final flight back to Charlotte, North Carolina, where they met with a hospitalist who supervised further testing and treatment at their local hospital’s emergency room. Upon their safe return home, Barbara wrote to thank Global Rescue, praising the responding paramedic. “His quiet resolve and professionalism made it happen.”

Barbara and Jed at Lake Louise in the Canadian Rockies in 2013