NEWS

Navy SEAL cold weather expert shares pro tips for blizzard safety for commuters and travelers. 

Lebanon, N.H. – December 22, 2022 – A seasonal blizzard is moving across the U.S. with heavy snow and extremely cold temperatures forecast. Extreme weather expert and former Navy SEAL Harding Bush knows staying safe during is blizzard can be tricky when you’re at home, and more challenging when you are traveling.  

“Prepare ahead of the storm whenever possible. You could be snowed in for a few days,” said Bush, the manager of operations at Global Rescue and a former Navy SEAL with extensive mountain and cold weather operations expertise. He has developed multiple training programs for ski mountaineering and cold-weather survival. 

Bush lists his top pro tips to remain safe during a blizzard.  

The Top 5 Blizzard Safety Tips  

1. Stay Inside – If possible, avoid driving and other travel until conditions have improved. Listen to NOAA Weather Radio for updated emergency information. 

1. Stay Charged – Charge your cell phone, laptop and any backup power sources. Have extra batteries on hand for radios and flashlights.   

1. Dress Appropriately – Wear the right clothing, with multiple layers and proper footwear, to keep you warm and dry. Do your research before purchasing outerwear; garments should be tightly woven and water-repellent. If anything gets wet or sweaty, change clothing to prevent loss of body heat.   

1. Pack Your Car – Commuter pro tip. There’s usually enough warning for a blizzard, but if you missed the weather forecast, make sure your car has an emergency kit for snow situations. A lot of people commute to work and are not dressed for winter. Keep extra layers in your car. It doesn’t take much to throw a parka, wool hat, warm waterproof mittens and winter boots in the back seat or trunk of your car. If you have a longer commute, keep hand and foot warmers in the glove box and a sleeping bag or blanket, a shovel, jumper cables and a tow strap, in addition to a brush and ice scraper in the trunk.  

1. Know the Signs – Know how your body loses heat and know what to do to stay warm. Also, learn the early signs of frostbite and hypothermia, how to prevent it and how to treat it. 

Bonus Top 8 Backcountry Tips  

If you’re trapped by a blizzard while hiking, skiing, climbing, snowboarding or camping in the backcountry, it’s a different story. There’s no way to limit your time outside, but there are ways to ensure survival. Keep these eight blizzard survival tips in mind if you’re traveling in snowy destinations: 

1. Stay calm. Stop and think about what resources you have, observe your surroundings and orient yourself with landmarks and plan. Field & Stream offers a snow survival quiz.    

1. Stay hydrated to ensure your extremities are receiving warm, oxygenated blood. Learn more about frostbite and hypothermia and the warning signs here.   

1. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from sub-zero temperature air. If you have a pre-existing condition, like asthma or bronchitis, the cold, dry air may irritate your airways. If you do not have a scarf, breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. 

1. Wiggle your fingers and toes, clap your hands and flex your arms. These small movements and stretches will keep circulation moving. Try not to break a sweat as wet clothes absorb body heat. 

1. Build a shelter if you can’t hike (or ski) to safety. Use snow or whatever materials are available to build a shelter or make a lean-to. Even huddling under the low-hanging branches of a tree will provide some protection from the elements. 

1. Insulate yourself from the cold ground. Always pack an insulated ground pad. Sit on your backpack if you don’t have a pad. Sitting or sleeping directly on the snowy ground will also rob you of body heat.  

1. Melt snow before eating it. Eating un-melted snow will reduce your core temperature and put you at risk for hypothermia. Use a portable stove and small pot for melting snow or boiling water in the backcountry during winter. You should also have the ability to start a small fire for warming, melting snow and signaling for help. 

1. FEMA offers additional advice on how to plan for a blizzard on their website, including this Winter Storm Info Sheet. 

“Being proactive and preparing for a forecasted blizzard could mean the difference between a safe experience or being trapped in a dangerous situation out of your control,” Bush said. 

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For more information contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or +1 (202) 560-1195. 

About Global Rescue    

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.  

Lebanon, NH – December 7, 2022 – Global Rescue was named to Inc. Magazine’s 2022 Best in Business List in Travel and Hospitality for putting purpose ahead of profit. Inc.’s Best in Business Awards honor companies that have made an extraordinary impact in their fields and on society.  

“It’s an honor to be recognized by Inc. Magazine for Global Rescue’s positive influence on our global communities and the travel industry through programs that support and encourage people to travel boldly with the peace of mind that comes with knowing we will rescue them from the point of illness or injury anytime, anywhere,” said Michael Holmes, VP of Marketing for Global Rescue, the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services.   

“Inc. Magazine is dedicated to showcasing America’s most dynamic businesses and the great things they do. The Best in Business awards shine a light on those that have gone above and beyond their original mission to make a social, environmental or economic impact, benefiting those around them,” said Scott Omelianuk, editor-in-chief of Inc.  

Rather than relying on quantitative criteria tied to sales or funding, Inc.’s editors reviewed the companies’ achievements over the past year and noted how they made a positive difference in the world. Global Rescue was named “Best In Business” for Travel and Hospitality for four contributions: 

• GRIDSM – The Global Rescue GRIDSM Medical and Security Mobile App places critical medical, security and other essential travel intelligence at travelers’ fingertips. In recent months the Global Rescue GRIDSM system was used to coordinate evacuations of travelers from war-torn Ukraine, help students and faculty get out of Russia, and provide security advisory services for foreign news correspondents working for several major U.S. news outlets.   
• Local Field Rescue Expansion was introduced during the pandemic when travel became restricted, prompting Global Rescue to eliminate its 100-mile rule for services. With decreased international travel and an uptick in local travel, Global Rescue adapted quickly and expanded its services to members at no additional cost. Competitors require their customers to be 100 miles, 150 miles and even 300 miles or more away from home before they qualify for medical evacuation services. According to Sandra Rodgers, a member who was rescued from Washington, D.C. and transported to her home in New Hampshire, “People know Global Rescue can get you off of a distant mountain and now they know you can get you to safety locally, too.” 
• Humanitarian Mission. Global Rescue launched a humanitarian aid mission to Haiti to provide emergency aid, medicine, and other essential relief materials for the children and families devastated by the earthquake on August 14th. The Global Rescue operations teams worked to gather, convey and distribute desperately needed aid to the area, rushing more than 500 temporary shelters and over 50,000 doses of acetaminophen to the island at the request of the Haitian government. Global Rescue coordinated its relief efforts with Haitian-based Food for the Poor, the Haiti Recovery Task Force as well as the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC) led by Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett. 

• Introduction of Worldwide Lifeline. The Worldwide LifelineSM program was developed by Global Rescue exclusively for AAA members. If a Worldwide Lifeline member gets sick or injured and needs advice or assistance Global Rescue will deploy to them and get them to safety. Worldwide Lifeline complements AAA membership by offering world-class emergency protection with field rescue, medical consultations and access to virtual doctor appointments, so members can roam with confidence anywhere in the contiguous United States and Canada. 

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Contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or 202.560.1195 (phone/text) for more information.      

About the Inc. Magazine Best in Business Award   

Inc. Magazine is the world’s most trusted business-media brand offering entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community they need to build great companies. For nearly 40 years, Inc. magazine has been devoted to recognizing America’s most dynamic businesses and honoring the great things they do. For more information, visit www.inc.com. 

About Global Rescue   

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.  

Rescue and medical evacuation teams are standing by
to assist travelers who may need field rescue, medical evacuation or medical advisory.

Lebanon, NH – November 29, 2022 – Global Rescue operations experts are standing by to assist travelers who may need field rescue, medical evacuation or medical advisory due to the volcanic activity reported at Mauna Loa, a wide volcano that makes up more than half of the Big Island of Hawaii, rising 13,681 feet above sea level.

According to the U.S. Geological Service Volcano Notification Service (USGS VNS), the eruption of Mauna Loa has migrated from the summit to the Northeast Rift Zone where fissures are feeding several lava flows.

“Global Rescue’s intelligence and operations teams are monitoring the event and will report unsafe sulfur dioxide levels in the area in case air quality decreases,” said Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue, the leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services.

Travelers are advised to monitor developments as conditions can change rapidly and with little notice. “Lava flows are not threatening any downslope communities and all indications are that the eruption will remain in the Northeast Rift Zone. Volcanic gas and possibly fine ash and Pele’s Hair may be carried downwind,” according to USGS VNS reports.

“Flight disruptions or evacuations may be ordered if the situation escalates. Travelers should be prepared to utilize any means necessary to exit the affected region, including air, sea and land travel. Monitor local media, government alerts and airport notices to stay informed as the situation develops,” said Harding Bush, a former Navy SEAL and manager of security for Global Rescue.

“Travelers should check with the airlines and see if they are still able to fly to their destinations. Volcanic ash is a dangerous element of a volcanic eruption. The ash can damage aviation equipment, it’s very fine and can damage jet engines. Ground vehicle transportation may be affected, too, for the same reasons,” Bush said.

Volcanic ash near a flight path shuts down all aviation. In 2010 a volcano eruption in Iceland shut down air travel in Europe for a significant time.

“Travelers have learned that anything can happen during a trip, especially since the pandemic. Their mindset has made a tectonic shift, moving travel protection for emergency evacuation from ‘optional’ to ‘obligatory’. Travelers learned that emergency rescue and evacuation services are often essential, whether it’s due to COVID-19, a natural disaster, civil unrest or simply needing emergency help when you’re traveling,” Richards said.

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Contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or 202.560.1195 (phone/text) for more information.

About Global Rescue  

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.

Lebanon, N.H. – November 28, 2022 – The 22nd World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) kicks off its Global Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia today. The annual Global Summit continues through December 1st and is the most influential travel and tourism industry event hosting industry leaders and key government representatives. The largest in-person gathering of Minsters of Tourism and CEOs of tourism companies continues to align efforts to support the sector’s recovery and move to a safer, more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future.

Event Strategic Sponsor, Global Rescue, the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals, is on-site managing, monitoring, supporting and responding to any medical requirement.

Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue, presents at the “Enhancing our Resilience” panel. Travel and tourism have been able to bounce back from crises in an increasingly agile fashion; with crisis recovery time decreasing from 26 to 10 months between 2001 and 2018. However, he sees the need for much greater preparation for inevitable future disruptions.

“We’re one mutation away from another pandemic yet the travel and tourism industry – and the governments of most countries – have been slow to implement learnings from the last pandemic. While serving on the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the Department of Commerce, I helped author recommendations to improve industry resilience – the most important of which is the need for greater public-private partnerships for preparedness and prevention,” Richards said.

Arnie Weissmann, editor in chief at Travel Weekly, moderates the “Enhancing our Resilience” session, seeking insights from panelists Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica; Hon. Sylvestre Radegonde, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Seychelles; Robin Ingle, Chief Executive Officer, Ingle International Inc; Debbie Flynn, Managing Partner, Global Travel Practice Leader, FINN Partners; and Richards.

“The pandemic was an unprecedented challenge for the travel industry, and the global response was remarkable, overall. The ongoing challenge for the travel and tourism industry is the preparation, management and coordination of the resources needed to mount an effective response for the next big challenge. By working together, we will be able to further improve the sector’s resilience to systemic shocks,” Richards said.

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About Global Rescue     

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.

Lebanon, N.H. – November 21, 2022 – Travelers are shrugging off inflation and working around anticipated flight disruptions for the holidays based on the results of the Global Rescue Fall 2022 Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey. Despite inflation and the rising cost of travel, the majority of travelers (70%) have not canceled or postponed an international or domestic trip. To overcome airline staffing issues, more than half of travelers (55%) will fly nonstop whenever possible to minimize potential flight disruptions due to airline staff shortages during the fall and winter holidays.

“In the face of airline disruptions and the rising cost of travel, travelers are sticking with plans to travel,” said Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue, the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Two-thirds (66%) of travelers will journey domestically for Thanksgiving or a similar holiday at the end of November, and 59% will travel domestically for the holidays during December, according to the survey.

“Travel is back to pre-pandemic levels and that means heavy crowds at airports. Travelers should book nonstop flights whenever possible to avoid delays or cancellations due to airline staff shortages. They should join a trusted traveler program like TSA PreCheck to move through security faster,” said Harding Bush, a former Navy SEAL and manager of security operations for Global Rescue.

Inflation is not curbing most traveler spending behavior. Nearly half (47%) of travelers are not making any changes while on travel but among those who are 11% are flying on less expensive plane tickets, 10% are lodging at less costly places, 8% are eating out less or at less expensive restaurants and another 8% are traveling for fewer days, only 4% are reducing or not buying souvenirs or gifts during their trip, according to the survey.

The survey also revealed growth in business travel, although not back to pre-pandemic levels. According to the survey, the majority of business travelers (71%) have already resumed business travel while another 14% expect to go back to business travel by summer of 2023.

Bleisure travel — a portmanteau of business and leisure that refers to a growing trend of business travelers tacking leisure days onto a work-related trip — may boost the return to business travel. The survey revealed that the majority of business travelers (73%) plan to use bleisure travel and take a few extra days for personal enjoyment following a business trip.

“Whether you’re an employer looking to use bleisure travel to incentivize a return to business travel or an employee looking to take advantage of it in the future, it’s important employers make certain their duty of care legal requirements are comprehensively detailed,” Richards said.  

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Contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or 202.560.1195 (phone/text) for more information.    

About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey     

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, conducted a survey of more than 1,000 of its current and former members between October 25 and 31, 2022. The respondents exposed a range of behaviors, attitudes and preferences regarding international and domestic travel.   

About Global Rescue     

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.    

Lebanon, N.H. – November 16, 2022 – For the first time since the coronavirus pandemic, traveler fears about COVID are dramatically subsiding. The Global Rescue Fall 2022 Traveler Safety and Sentiment Survey revealed the biggest fear or concern about international travel among the world’s most experienced travelers is having an injury or illness – but not a COVID-related illness.

Traveler fear of COVID is no longer their biggest concern. Since August 2022, apprehension about COVID dramatically dropped at a rate of 39%, down to 20% compared to 33% in late summer.

“Travel confidence is exploding in a positive direction. Borders are open, TSA data reflects traveler volumes pushing past pre-pandemic levels for the first time in more than two years, and travel spending is at its highest since the pandemic started,” said Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue.

Today, a third of travelers (33%) said their biggest fear is suffering a non-COVID illness or injury followed by trip cancellation (13%), civil unrest (11%), being robbed (5%), natural disasters (3%) and nuclear attack (less than 1%).

The survey further revealed that escalating threats of international military action and ongoing natural disasters make travelers more likely to obtain travel security services. When war broke out between Russia and Ukraine in February 2022 more than a third of surveyed travelers started buying security evacuation protection. Nearly a year later, the war continues and more than half of travelers said they are more likely or much more likely to acquire travel security services.

“Travel uncertainty generally increases traveler demand for emergency medical and security services. Between the war and the pandemic, travelers want medical and emergency response services more than ever,” Richards said.

Contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or 202.560.1195 (phone/text) for more information.

About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey  

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, conducted a survey of more than 1,000 of its current and former members between October 25 and 31, 2022. The respondents exposed a range of behaviors, attitudes and preferences regarding international and domestic travel.

About Global Rescue

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com. 

LEBANON, N.H. (Oct. 31, 2022) – Global Rescue, the world’s leading travel risk and crisis management firm, released its risk assessment for the 2022 FIFA World Cup scheduled to take place in Qatar between November 20th and December 18th.  

“There are special international entry requirements for travelers to Qatar whether your trip is for the World Cup or not,” said Kent Webber, senior manager of Intelligence Services at Global Rescue and a former senior intelligence operations officer in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence at the Pentagon. 

“Travelers entering Qatar after November 1st will need to have a Hayya card and a passport, regardless of the purpose of the visit. Qatar Airways has optimized flights to prepare for an influx of travelers during the World Cup,” Webber said, referring to the FIFA World Cup 2022 Risk Assessment. 

“Travelers are not required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or to present negative COVID-19 test results upon arrival. But the contact-tracing app Ehteraz is required for entry into healthcare facilities,” said Josh Hennessy, an intelligence services analyst at Global Rescue and a former Arabian Peninsula Team editor for Tesla Government Inc. 

The country’s risk of crime and civil unrest is low; despite regional terrorist threats, no major attacks have been reported in Qatar since 2005. “Nevertheless, travelers to Qatar must become familiar with the local laws, many of which are vastly different from those in North America and Europe,” Webber said. 

Several things that are legal in the U.S. and other countries are illegal in Qatar. For example, it is illegal to criticize the government or damage flags. There is zero tolerance for drug-related offenses.  

“If you are bringing prescription medication into Qatar, ensure you carry your official doctor’s prescription, hospital note, or a doctor’s letter detailing the drug, the quantity prescribed, and dosage,” Hennessy said.   

“Drinking alcohol in public is a crime but alcohol is available at licensed hotel restaurants and bars, as well as at the Arcadia Festival and FIFA Fan Festival. Alcohol may also be available in hospitality boxes within stadiums,” Hennessy added. 

The Risk Assessment points out that if you’re planning to use social media or your laptop while in Qatar then be advised that VPNs are illegal and online posts that appear to insult, slander, or are culturally insensitive may result in a prison sentence. Travelers should dress conservatively in public spaces to respect local practices. Female travelers should cover their shoulders and avoid wearing short skirts. Public displays of affection are considered offensive and could result in legal action.   

“The laws of your home country don’t travel with you — that’s why knowing the local laws of Qatar is critical before traveling there,” said Dan Richards, Global Rescue’s CEO.   

Medical facilities have a high standard of care. Hamad General Hospital in Doha is an internationally accredited facility with English-speaking staff. Medical services include a 24/7 emergency room, general surgery, emergency ambulance service, invasive cardiology readiness, neurosurgery readiness, and trauma surgery readiness. Hamad General Hospital is equipped with advanced diagnostic technology, and the standard of care is generally high. The facility’s Emergency Department is one of the busiest in the world, and wait times may fluctuate.  

The complete Risk Assessment is available here (after clicking through, scroll to the red button “Download the Risk Assessment” and click it). 

For more information contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or +1 202.560.1195.  

About Global Rescue   

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.  

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Lebanon, N.H. – October 28, 2022 – Superstar mountaineer Kristin Harila, who was on the cusp of breaking one of the greatest climbing speed records ever set, announced she is joining the leadership of Global Rescue’s Mountain Advisory Council. Global Rescue, the leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services, has been successfully rescuing mountaineers from the highest peaks around the world for nearly two decades since its founding in 2004.  

“Outdoor activity worldwide is reaching unprecedented levels of participation among beginners, experts and everyone in between. We are honored to have Kristin Harila join the Global Rescue Mountain Advisory Council. The additional depth and breadth of advice and guidance from a world-class expert like Harila will be a benefit to our members and clients,” said Global Rescue CEO Dan Richards, and a member of the U.S. Department of Commerce U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board. 

World-renowned high-climber and Mountain Advisory Council member Nirmal “Nims” Purja, who climbed all 14 of the world’s 8,000+ meter peaks in the record time of six months and six days, said mountaineering improves when the best climbers share their experiences.  

“We recognized an increasing need for the contribution of valuable expertise from elite mountaineering experts to improve the safety and excitement of the sport, and to cultivate and foster the knowledge, wisdom and experience of the leading authorities in the field,” Purja said. 

Legendary mountaineer and Global Rescue Mountain Advisory Council member Ed Viesturs said Harila is a welcome addition. “Harila’s record-breaking climbing abilities, global reputation, and unsurpassed passion for the sport is a beacon for others to follow,” said Viesturs who is the only American to have climbed all 14 of the world’s 8,000+ meter peaks and the fifth person to do so without using supplemental oxygen.  

As for Harila, she was a Global Rescue member before joining the Mountain Advisory Council. “I chose Global Rescue membership even before I joined the Mountain Advisory Council team. It is the best protection for mountaineers,” she said before departing Norway for the Himalayas to attempt summiting the final peaks in her quest to best the record set by fellow Mountain Advisory Council member Nims Purja.  

Unfortunately, Hirila’s endeavor ended after Chinese officials refused to grant her a climbing permit for the final two mountains needed for her quest. “It’s been a rollercoaster. We have been trying so hard. I am so disappointed and heartbroken to say that we got a final no from China.  It’s still very hard to believe that we got so close, but it’s over for now. I am going to try again next year,” she said.  

In addition to Viesturs, Purja and Harila the Mountain Advisory Council members include:  

• Outdoor adventure safety expert and longtime mountaineering author Jed Williamson 

• Wilderness and altitude sickness expert Dr. Eric Johnson, Global Rescue associate medical director, past president of the Wilderness Medical Society and member of the Board of Directors of the Himalaya Rescue Association 
• Special operations and critical planning authority Scott Hume, Global Rescue vice president of operations and former Chief Operations Officer of the 3rd Brigade 25th Infantry Division  
• Former combat medic with the Singapore Armed Forces David Koo, Global Rescue senior manager of operations and past operations manager of the Khoo Teck Puat Hospital in Singapore.  
• Global Rescue operations manager Dan Stretch who is based in Nepal during the Mount Everest climbing seasons. He has coordinated hundreds of evacuations and crisis response operations. 
• Former Navy SEAL and associate manager of Global Rescue Security Operations Harding Bush has extensive mountain and cold weather operations expertise. He has developed multiple training programs for ski mountaineering and cold weather survival. He is a graduate of several U.S. and NATO Mountaineering courses including the Slovenian Mountain Warfare School.” 

About Global Rescue 

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com. 

The world’s leading travel medical, security and crisis management firm nabs two gold and two silver travel risk awards. 

Lebanon, NH – October 17, 2022 – Travel Weekly, the most influential B2B travel industry news resource, awarded Global Rescue, the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services, four 2022 Magellan Awards for its travel services.  

“The 2022 Magellan Awards received entries from top travel organizations and professionals worldwide and the quality of the work was outstanding. Being selected a Magellan Award Winner is a tremendous achievement and proves you represent a high standard of excellence within the travel industry,” said Kara Cleary, manager of Travel Weekly Magellan Awards.   

• The Global Rescue GRIDSM Medical and Security Mobile App won Magellan Gold. The GRIDSM mobile app places critical medical, security and other essential travel intelligence at travelers’ fingertips. “In recent months the Global Rescue GRIDSM system was used to coordinate evacuations of travelers from war-torn Ukraine, help students and faculty get out of Russia, and provide security advisory for foreign news correspondents working for several major U.S. news outlets,” said Michael Holmes, marketing vice president at Global Rescue.  

• Global Rescue won a gold award for its Travel Intelligence Center, a traveler-friendly online resource curated by the Global Rescue Intelligence Team. “Our intelligence team continually monitors global events, tracks worldwide travel risk, health and safety information, all day, every day and shares the information with everyone,” Holmes said. 
• A silver Magellan was awarded to Global Rescue for its “Better than Travel Insurance” online paid media campaign highlighting the distinction between traditional travel insurance and medical evacuation travel protection. “The pandemic raised awareness of the limitations of traditional travel insurance and the value of a medical and security evacuation safety net,” notes Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue. 
• Global Rescue won a silver award for its Social Media Initiative to increase travel-oriented followers and promote deeper engagement across the major social media platforms.  

“It’s gratifying to be recognized for so many Global Rescue programs that support and encourage people to travel boldly and see all that the world has to offer with the peace of mind that comes with knowing we will rescue you from the point of illness or injury anytime, anywhere,” Holmes said.  

About the Magellan Awards  

From design to marketing to services, the Travel Weekly Magellan Awards honors the best in travel and salutes the outstanding travel professionals behind it all. Travel Weekly is the most influential provider of news, research, opinion and analysis to the North American travel trade marketplace.   

About Global Rescue  

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.  

Lebanon-based Travel Risk Company Celebrates Resilient Spirit and Enduring Strength Through International Travel Images Since the Pandemic    

 Lebanon, N.H. – September 26, 2022 – Following more than two years of extraordinary travel restrictions, challenges and prohibitions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, an international collection of images on display at the AVA Gallery and Art Center (AVA) captures the irrepressible soul and abiding toughness of travelers who have ventured near and far.   

“The main aspiration of travel photography is to awaken people to the world beyond the borders of their imagination and see all that it has to offer. It is an intimate, safe and engaging way to enlighten individuals about other cultures’ traditions and highlight how they differ from their own,” said Samantha Eckert, AVA Exhibition Manager. 

“Everyone was impacted by the pandemic, some more severely than others. Travelers were, and are, eager to fight back to regain their family vacations, business trips and adventure travels,” said Dan Richards, CEO of Lebanon-based Global Rescue, the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services. “The flexibility and toughness demonstrated by travelers and the travel and tourism industry can only be defined as resilience.”   

The annual Global Rescue photo contest began in 2013 to showcase the amazing expeditions and journeys of travelers.   

“Amateur and professional photographers from all over the world submitted nearly 500 images for consideration in the 2021 Photo Contest. While all were outstanding, the 24 images on display serve as the most moving testaments to traveler tenacity during the pandemic,” said Chelsea Bakos-Kallgren, an award-winning graphic designer and design head for Global Rescue.    

• The Global Rescue Travel Photo Exhibition at AVA Gallery and Art Center runs from October 7th to November 5th, 2022. 
• AVA’s Carter-Kelsey Gallery, located 11 Bank Street in Lebanon, NH, is open 11 am to 5 pm Tuesday through Saturday.
• Entry to the exhibit is free and open to the public.
• Call 603-643-4120 for details. 

The contest featured four categories: togetherness, landscape, outdoor activity and animal travel companions.  

• The grand prize winner and first place winner of the Togetherness category was Mithail Afrige Chowdhury for his photograph “COVIID-Negative Celebration” – a Bangladeshi birthday celebration for a 12-year-old girl who had just beaten her battle with coronavirus.   
• Skier and photographer Chuck Evans sacrificed a ski run to capture his winning image in the Landscape category. “Pure Bliss” captured Evans’ friend and professional skier, Ricky Ceccant, during an April 2021 heli-ski trip to Haines, Alaska.     
• In the Outdoor Action Category, first place was awarded to Har Rai Khalsa, an Oregon native who grew up snowboarding, windsurfing and surfing and later fell in love with photography in high school. His photograph – “Immersed in Brazil” – depicts a submerged Italian windsurfer, Greta Marchegger.     
• “Best Friends” by Joshua Tobey – a wildlife sculptor whose work is on display in four states – won the Animal Travel Companion category. During a September 2021 family trip in Wyoming’s Green Mountain, Indy – a Parson Russell terrier – climbed up and perched on the shoulder of a family member who was tracking elk using binoculars.     

“The photographers found strength, spirit, courage, character, flexibility and determination in their subjects during a time when we all needed it,” Richards said.   

The judges’ panel included: Mark Edward Harris, who has visited and photographed in more than 100 countries; Lydia Schrandt, who serves as the first chair of the Editors Council of the Society of American Travel Writers; Paul Shoul, photographer for GoNomad.com; and Bakos-Kallgren.     

“The resilience captured in these images highlights the flexibility and toughness of travelers during a period when the whole world shared the same challenge,” said Michael Holmes, VP Marketing at Global Rescue.   

About Global Rescue    

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation, and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments, and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor, and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments, and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.    

Contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or 202.560.1195 (phone/text) for more information.    

Lebanon, NH – August 29, 2022 – The International Business Awards named Global Rescue a Silver Stevie® winner for Most Valuable Corporate Response To The Pandemic. The category honors exemplary responses by companies to the pandemic to ensure the well-being of their employees, customers and communities.

“It’s gratifying to be recognized for supplying unparalleled resources to address the increasingly challenging and complex world in which we live,” said Global Rescue CEO Dan Richards who is a member of the U.S. Department of Commerce U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board.

Global Rescue provides travelers a better way to get help when they experience a medical or security emergency while away from home. When the pandemic started, travelers and expats found themselves trapped in an escalating series of government directives and medical orders to contain the sweep of the virus. Soon government authorities and public health officials restricted nearly all flights.

“From the first day of the pandemic, our mission expanded to include COVID-19 medical rescue and transport services,” Richards said. “The unprecedented circumstances made efforts to return travelers to their homes more challenging, but didn’t prevent Global Rescue’s experienced security and intelligence teams from conducting thousands of operations helping return individuals home,” he said.

Stevie® Award Judges’ comments praised the “complete plan to support the pandemic through great strategy” and called Global Rescue’s service “a shining light in the darkness during times of need.” Stevie® Awards president Maggie Miller called this year’s class of honorees “as innovative, adventuresome, persistent, and successful as we’ve ever had.”

Global Rescue’s pioneering methods and model have secured its reputation as the most forward-thinking service of its kind.   

More than 3,700 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted this year for consideration. Stevie® Award winners were determined by the average scores of more than 300 executives worldwide who participated in the judging process in June and July.

For more information contact: Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or +1 (202) 560-1195.

About Global Rescue   

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises, including COVID-19. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.   

About the Stevie Awards and the International Business Awards

Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 nominations each year from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more at www.StevieAwards.com. The International Business Awards are the world’s premier business awards program. All individuals and organizations worldwide – public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small – are eligible to submit nominations. The 2022 IBAs received entries from organizations in 67 nations and territories.

Lebanon, NH – August 22, 2022 – The majority of travelers (60%) report some level of concern about international travel since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, and while 90% have not changed their travel plans due to the war more than a third are buying security evacuation protection, according to the Global Rescue Summer 2022 Traveler Safety and Sentiment Survey.

“International trip takers are gaining comfort with wartime travel. Close to half of travelers (42%) are keeping their itineraries for European travel that does not include Russia, Ukraine or other countries in Eastern Europe. That’s a 14% increase compared to earlier this year,” said Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue, the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

But for trips to Eastern Europe, the opposite is happening. More than half of travelers (58%) who planned or were planning a trip to Russia, Ukraine or any other country in Eastern Europe report the war caused them to cancel or postpone a trip, according to the latest survey. The data represents a 28% jump in the share of travelers canceling or postponing trips to the region compared to survey responses collected early this year.

A third of travelers (36%) say the war in Eastern Europe between Russia and Ukraine makes them more likely to obtain travel security services that provide evacuation and advisory services when they are in danger due to things like insurgent attacks, civil unrest and unpredictable natural disasters.

“Travel uncertainty generally increases traveler demand for emergency medical and security services. Between the war and the pandemic, travelers want medical and emergency response services more than ever,” Richards said.

Contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or 202.560.1195 (phone/text) for more information.  

About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey   

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, conducted a survey of more than 2,100 of its current and former members between July 12 and 16, 2022. The respondents exposed a range of behaviors, attitudes and preferences regarding international and domestic travel. 

About Global Rescue   

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.  

Lebanon, NH – August 16, 2022 – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) relaxed COVID-19 recommendations saying there is significantly less risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death compared to earlier in the pandemic. “The current conditions of this pandemic are very different from those of the last two years,” said the CDC’s Greta Massetti.

“The decision by the CDC to ease its COVID-19 guidelines is a welcome step toward recognizing the decreasing severity of the disease, the urgent need to restore confidence for travelers, and support for an industry badly damaged by the pandemic,” said Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce.  

The CDC’s updated guidelines include ending quarantine recommendations after exposure to COVID-19 and replacing it with a recommendation to mask for 10 days and get tested on the fifth day. The announcement also reduces the isolation period for people who test positive for COVID-19 but are asymptomatic or have quickly improved symptoms.

Richards said the changes will mean more confidence among travelers pointing to Global Rescue’s latest survey of the world’s most experienced travelers who revealed their biggest international travel fear is testing positive for COVID and being stranded away from home.

“The CDC announcement is a much-needed improvement and will contribute further to travelers’ peace of mind when planning trips and vacations. Traveler confidence has been increasing markedly since the beginning of the year and this will help the trend to continue,” Richards said.  

Contact Bill McIntyre at bmcIntyre@globalrescue.com or 202.560.1195 (phone/text) for more information. 

About Global Rescue  

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com . 

Lebanon, NH – August 15, 2022 – Despite reports of the latest COVID-19 variant, BA5, generating waves of reinfections and single-digit increases in U.S. hospitalizations, trip takers are sticking with plans to go abroad. Nearly 80% of the world’s most experienced travelers say the threat of a new COVID variant is unlikely to make them cancel or postpone international travel this year, according to the Summer 2022 Global Rescue Traveler Safety and Sentiment Survey.

“Whether it’s revenge travel or responsible travel following vaccination – or a combination of both – 7-out-of-10 travelers are much less concerned about travel compared to the beginning of the pandemic. They feel safe enough to plan trips and vacations because they’re vaccinated, borders are open and they have confidence they’ll be able to get home if the worst happens,” said Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce. 

Sixty-eight percent of survey respondents have already traveled internationally since the pandemic. The balance expects to travel abroad by the end of the year (16%) or in the first three months of 2023 (9%).

More international travel is likely due to the recent U.S. policy change. Nearly half of travelers (49%) say they are more likely to travel internationally in the next 12 months now that U.S. officials no longer require passengers flying to the U.S. to show a negative COVID viral test or documentation of recovery from COVID before they board their flight.

“The decision to end the requirement for a negative COVID test to enter the United States is a welcome step toward recognizing the decreasing severity of the disease, the urgent need to restore confidence for travelers, and support for an industry badly damaged by the pandemic,” Richards said.

Traveler hesitancy is unchanged since early 2022. After two years of pandemic-related travel restrictions, a third of survey respondents continue to experience “re-entry” to travel anxiety with worries about where to go, or when to get back to travel.

The biggest international travel fear among trip-takers is testing positive for COVID and being stranded away from home (33%), a 37% decrease from early 2022. Having an accident (24%), trip cancellation (21%) and civil unrest/terrorism (8%) were the next biggest concerns. Being robbed, war, natural disasters, and difficulty finding a COVID-19 testing facility each accounted for less than 2% of responses.

“The pandemic has generated a tectonic shift in the traveler mindset. Travelers learned emergency rescue and evacuation services are essential, whether it’s due to COVID, a natural disaster, civil unrest or simply needing emergency help when you’re traveling. The majority of travelers (64%) say medical evacuation services are more important than Cancel For Any Reason (18%) insurance or traditional travel insurance (15%). Traveler preferences have moved travel protection for emergency medical services and evacuation from ‘optional’ to ‘obligatory’,” Richards said.  

Contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or 202.560.1195 (phone/text) for more information. 

About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey 

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, conducted a survey of more than 2,100 of its current and former members between July 12 and 16, 2022. The respondents exposed a range of behaviors, attitudes and preferences regarding international and domestic travel.

About Global Rescue  

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com . 

Lebanon, NH – August 8, 2022 – Inflation is having a minimal impact on travel: 79% of the world’s most experienced travelers report inflation won’t cause them to cancel their travel plans. More than a fifth of travelers (21%) plan to spend more time and money on trips to make up for curtailed travel due to the pandemic, according to the Global Rescue Summer 2022 Traveler Safety and Sentiment Survey.

Incidents of staff shortages among pilots, flight attendants, gate agents and ground crews are affecting travel schedules but the majority of travelers (58%) have not been touched by it, according to the survey results. Despite the news headlines, the world’s most experienced travelers are making their intentions clear: they are going to travel no matter what.

“Travelers are sending a clear message. They are eager to regain their family vacations, adventure travels and business trips. By overwhelming margins, they are pressing forward with international and domestic travel despite rising costs and airline staff shortages. They are confident they’ll be able to travel and return home,” said Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce.  

Travelers are adjusting to inflation and higher travel costs in a variety of ways. A fifth (20%) of respondents reported they changed an international trip and replaced it with a less expensive trip. Among domestic travelers, more than a quarter (28%) changed a domestic trip and replaced it with a less expensive one.

Twenty-one percent say they will travel for fewer days and 19% plan to fly on less expensive tickets. Fifteen percent report they will stay at less costly lodging while 12% will eat out less or at less expensive restaurants. Six percent are greatly reducing or not buying souvenirs or gifts during their trip and 3% will skip buying travel insurance.

Contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or 202.560.1195 (phone/text) for more information.  

About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey   

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, conducted a survey of more than 2,100 of its current and former members between July 12 and 16, 2022. The respondents exposed a range of behaviors, attitudes and preferences regarding international and domestic travel. 

About Global Rescue   

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.  

Lebanon, NH – August 8, 2022 – Brittney Griner’s arrest and conviction in Russia for possession of medical cannabis oil is a critical lesson for all international travelers to learn. “The laws of your home country don’t travel with you — that’s why knowing the local laws of the destination(s) is critical before traveling,” said Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue, the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

According to her attorney, Griner had legally obtained the two vape cartridges containing hashish oil that were found in her luggage at a Moscow airport in February. “The attending physician gave Brittney recommendations for the use of medical cannabis,” said her lawyer, Maria Blagovolina. “The permission was issued on behalf of the Arizona Department of Health.”

But medical marijuana is not legal in Russia. “There are several unusual things that are legal in the U.S. but illegal in other parts of the world, like camouflage attire in the Caribbean, importing and selling chewing gum in Singapore, swearing in public in the U.A.E. All are banned in the aforementioned countries and some violations are punishable with jail time,” Richards said.

At best, international travelers may receive a stern warning or the item could be confiscated. At worst, officials can fine you, arrest you, expel you and even jail you, as is the case for WNBA star Griner.

“The U.S. Department of State’s travel information web page for overseas travel advice explains you are subject to local laws while abroad,” Richards said. “Whether it’s satellite phones in India, Walkie-Talkies in Japan, prescription drugs like Ambien in Singapore, or over-the-counter medications like Sudafed in Greece – they are all illegal. You are bound by those laws. You can’t just say ‘Oops, I didn’t know.’ Ignorance is not an excuse,” Richards said.

Travelers should carefully research the laws around their required medicine in countries they plan to visit and consult medical guidance on substitute medications. Even if a medicine is legal, travelers should always keep it in the original container and have a copy of a prescription.

Contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or +1 (202) 560-1195 to arrange an interview.

About Global Rescue    

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com. 

Lebanon, N.H. – August 3, 2022 – Whether it’s monkeypox or any other infectious disease, Global Rescue will provide rescue and emergency transport services for travelers to their home hospital of choice in the event they are hospitalized or in need of hospitalization. 

“When it comes to managing patients infected with monkeypox, Global Rescue does not make any distinctions between monkeypox and other infectious diseases regarding our services. If members have questions related to monkeypox or become ill from the virus while traveling, our services still apply. This always has been the case, including for COVID-19,” said Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue, the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce.    

“Whether a traveler needs a monkeypox screening and testing regimen for a trip or needs help finding a monkeypox-prepared health care facility, Global Rescue can assist before, during and after travel,” Richards said.  

Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder, and monkeypox is rarely fatal. It is not related to chickenpox. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is tracking the outbreak across several countries that don’t normally report monkeypox, including the United States. The World Health Organization declared the monkeypox viral outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.  

The monkeypox virus spreads mostly through close, intimate contact with someone who has the virus. The CDC recommends vaccination for people who have been exposed to monkeypox or who are at higher risk of being exposed to the disease.  According to the CDC, many people affected in the current global outbreaks identify as gay or bisexual and these populations represent the majority of global cases. Monkeypox can spread to anyone through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact.  

“Should an emergency occur, our medical and security experts can fully coordinate all aspects from advisory to evacuation, allowing travel companies to focus on delivering the best possible experience for their guests,” Richards said.  

“Seven-out-of-10 travelers are much less concerned about travel compared to the beginning of the pandemic. They feel safe enough to plan trips and vacations because they’re vaccinated, borders are open and they have confidence they’ll be able to get home if the worst happens,” Richards said. 

Contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or 202.560.1195 (phone/text) for more information.    

About Global Rescue     

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.    

Lebanon, NH – August 1, 2022 – Comfort levels for cruising climbed 21%, according to the world’s most experienced travelers responding to the Global Rescue Summer 2022 Traveler Safety and Sentiment Survey.  

Nearly a quarter (23%) of respondents feel much safer or safe enough to cruise compared to only 19% of respondents earlier this year. Forty percent of respondents have already taken a cruise since the pandemic started or, if they haven’t, they plan to this year.  

“Confidence in cruising safety is reflected in traveler perception and behavior. The cruise industry will continue to rebound since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) discontinued its COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships on July 18,” said Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue, the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce.   

Cruise industry officials welcomed the end of the mandatory program in favor of a voluntary set of guidelines for public health.  

“This is an important step forward in the CDC aligning the guidelines for cruise with those it has established for other travel, hospitality and entertainment sectors,” said Cruise Lines International Association spokeswoman Anne Madison. The CDC will continue to publish guidance to help cruise ships continue to provide “a safer and healthier environment” for passengers, crew and communities. 

“Travelers are eager to make up for lost travel and they want to do it as safely and confidently as possible so they can regain their family vacations and adventure travels. Seven-out-of-10 travelers are less concerned about travel, including cruises, compared to the beginning of the pandemic. They are going forward with international and domestic travel despite rising costs and travel industry staff shortages,” Richards said.  

Contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or 202.560.1195 (phone/text) for more information.   

About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey    

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, conducted a survey of more than 2,100 of its current and former members between July 12 and 16, 2022. The respondents exposed a range of behaviors, attitudes and preferences regarding international and domestic travel.  

About Global Rescue    

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.   

Lebanon, NH – July 18, 2022 – The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) awarded Global Rescue, the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services, ISO 9001:2015 certification.  

“The ISO 9001:2015 certification demonstrates Global Rescue’s historic and ongoing ability to consistently provide outstanding service,” said Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce.  

Global Rescue’s overall customer satisfaction is consistently over 95% and greater than 9 out of 10 customers would recommend Global Rescue to their friends or family. 

“The certification verifies Global Rescue’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. The ISO certification reflects adherence to requirements for organization-wide quality management systems that focus on continuous improvement, customer satisfaction and active involvement of both management and employees,” said Stephanie Diamond, Global Rescue’s vice president of Human Capital Management and a veteran international human resources expert. 

ISO 9001 is a quality management system standard that was developed by the International Organization for Standardization, which is an association of governmental and nongovernmental organizations from many countries. ISO 9001 certification requires an organization’s quality management system to consistently provide services that meet customer requirements through enhanced customer satisfaction facilitation by addressing risks and opportunities.  
 
Geneva, Switzerland-based ISO is an international standard development organization comprised of representatives from the national standards organizations of member countries. ISO is an independent, non-governmental organization that develops standards to ensure the quality, safety and efficiency of products, services and systems. 

Contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or 202.560.1195 (phone/text) for more information. 

About Global Rescue  

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com. 

Lebanon, N.H. – June 10, 2022 – The Biden administration is expected to announce that the US requirement for travelers to test negative for COVID-19 before entering the US will be lifted.  

“The decision to end the requirement for a negative COVID test to enter the United States is long overdue and a welcome step toward recognizing the decreasing severity of the disease, the urgent need to restore confidence for travelers, and support for an industry badly damaged by the pandemic,” said Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue, the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce. 

“After many months of negative COVID tests not being required in virtually every other aspect of American life, the administration has finally decided to end its testing requirement for international travelers arriving in the U.S. This is long overdue and has been a barrier to the recovery of international travel globally,” Richards said. 

Contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or +1 (202) 560-1195 for more information or to schedule an interview.

Traveler Comfort for Cruising Increases 

A fifth of travelers feel safer today compared to a year ago. 

Lebanon, NH – May 31, 2022 – Cruising is making a comeback, according to the most recent Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey.  

“Nineteen percent of survey takers say they feel safer – or much safer – about taking a cruise compared to last year,” said Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce.  

 Despite 30% of survey respondents experiencing some travel hesitancy about where to go, or when to get back to travel after two years of pandemic-related travel restrictions, the majority of the world’s most experienced travelers (70%) are not experiencing any re-entry to travel anxiety in general or on cruise ships, according to the survey.  

 Call it boldness or acquiescence, travelers are returning to cruise ships under the watchful eye of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) because of potential coronavirus outbreaks. According to a recent CDC analysis, 91 ships are sailing in U.S waters of which seven reported no cases of coronavirus on board and four reported 0.3% or fewer cases on board. The remaining 80 ships reported 0.3% or more cases on board, triggering a CDC investigation which includes reminding the cruise ships of the CDC’s guidance on preventive measures and possible in-person inspections, passenger testing and mask-wearing requirements. 

 “I think we’ve gotten to the point where no one expects that they’ll go anywhere and be perfectly insulated from COVID,” said Colleen McDaniel, editor in chief of Cruise Critic.  

 The survey results are driven by the combination of the majority of foreign borders opening to international travelers, revenge travel, and elevated comfort levels travelers have for taking trips. Eighty-four percent of travelers are less – or much less – concerned about travel today compared to the beginning of the pandemic, according to the survey.  

 The top travel anxiety continues to be centered on COVID. “Thirty-five percent of travelers say testing positive for COVID-19, having symptoms and being stranded away from home is their biggest fear about international travel,” Richards said. Fifteen percent of travelers say producing a negative COVID-19 test to meet U.S. re-entry requirements is their main concern.  

About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey    

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, conducted a survey of more than 1,200 of its current and former members between April 5 and 9, 2022. The respondents exposed a significant range in travel confidence and international travel activity as well as preferences for international travel policies.   

Contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or 202.560.1195 (phone/text) for more information. 

About Global Rescue   

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.  

More mountaineering rescues are expected as the Mount Everest Summit Window Opens 

Lebanon, NH – May 20, 2022 – A record number of high-altitude mountaineers and trekkers are in the Himalayas for the spring climbing season and it’s driving a corresponding record number of rescues. 

 “We’ve already seen an uptick in rescues this year. While the number of climbing and trekking permits issued for Mount Everest is lower than they were last year, the overall number of permits for climbing in the Himalayas is a record for 2022,” said Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue, the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services. 

“There have been nearly 700 permits issued throughout the Himalayas as of the last count. With an increase in mountaineering activities, there is a parallel need for rescue services. We’ve seen a record number of rescues so far this year throughout the Himalayas, and we’re expecting more as the summit window opens over the next week to 10 days depending on the weather,” he said. 

Mountaineers and high-altitude trekkers are eager to return to Mount Everest and the Himalayas following two years of COVID-related travel restrictions. But the two-year shut-out from climbs above 20,000 feet/6,000 meters may have left people less prepared.  

“The higher number of rescue operations may be the result of people not being in quite as good condition, or as fit, as they might otherwise have been before coming to the Himalayas to climb. There are also more people and, when you have greater populations who may not be as well-conditioned as usual, especially in these high-altitude environments, you are going to have more rescues,” Richards said. 

There is good news for high peak climbers. The weather conditions are forecast to be favorable and may provide a longer summit window for Mount Everest and other peaks in the range. “The Jetstream has moved off of Mount Everest where it usually likes to sit, making summits more likely to be successful. It’s been drier, warmer and a little less windy than normal,” he said. 

A longer-lasting favorable weather window will create conditions to help avert traffic jams on Mount Everest. When there’s a short weather window, everyone tries to scramble up the mountain and take advantage of that weather window and get their summit. But if the weather is good and stable – and if expedition groups stagger their summit attempts – then overcrowding will be minimized or prevented. 

“Organized summits are best for everyone. Mount Everest and other popular mountains can accommodate quite a few people. Climbing organizations must work together to sequence ascents properly. When people get bunched up you start seeing crazy conga lines going right to the summit. It’s also when you have the risk for a mass casualty event with a lot of people being stuck in the death zone, the altitude above 26,000 feet/8,000 meters where there is insufficient oxygen for the human body to survive,” Richards said. 

As in many past years, Global Rescue has deployed its medical operations team to support our mountaineering and trekking members in the event of a medical emergency. “Anytime you are exerting yourself at high altitudes, especially above 18,000 feet/5,500 meters, you are at risk for acute mountain sickness, high-altitude pulmonary edema, high-altitude cerebral edema, frostbite, injuries due to trips and falls, and avalanches,” he said. 

“Providing nonstop, 24/7 medical emergency support for a massive number of people taking part in extreme, high-altitude activities is not for the faint of heart. You need to be flexible and physically fit to be efficient on the ground,” said David Koo, associate director of operations for Global Rescue, a former combat medic and emergency nurse, and a member of Global Rescue’s Mountain Advisory Council. 

Rescue operations are complicated and dangerous. The operating ceiling for most helicopters is about 22,000 feet, which is roughly Camp 2 on Mount Everest. “Anything above that altitude requires a ground rescue and because of the altitude and the limited oxygen, rescue teams have to acclimatize before going. You cannot simply drop a crew that isn’t acclimatized into this part of the mountain. That’s why we have acclimatized teams already there. Even then, a rescue is dicey,” Richards said. 

Contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or 202.560.1195 (phone/text) for more information.

About Global Rescue 

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com. 

Record-breaking rescues expected as pandemic abates and climbers crowd into Nepal.

 Lebanon, N.H. – May 10, 2022 – Global Rescue, the leading provider of medical evacuation services, is deploying an emergency medical operations team to Nepal in anticipation of a Mount Everest spring climbing season with a higher number of emergency medical rescues. 

  “We anticipate a record number of mountaineers crowding into Nepal to climb Mount Everest and trek the Himalayas, and that means a concurrent likelihood of a record number of emergency medical rescue operations,” said Dan Richards Global Rescue’s CEO and a global member of the World Travel and Tourism Council.  

 Whenever high-altitude trekkers and mountaineers convene for high-risk, life-changing ascents, Global Rescue medical operations experts deploy to the region to help save lives.  

 “We will have boots on the ground to support medical operations, logistical and emotional support. People traveling to the Himalayas to climb and trek are in unfamiliar circumstances, and we help when they are in trouble,” said David Koo, a former combat medic and the associate director of operations for Global Rescue. “We deploy anytime it’s a primary activity area, where we have a lot of members taking part in extreme activities. We have lots of assistance in medical support wherever we deploy.” 

 For more than two years, the coronavirus pandemic disrupted international mountaineering, closing or limiting access to popular, challenging mountains worldwide. It’s unclear what COVID-19 or its variants will mean for the 2022 spring climbing season. But experts are making predictions based on their experience and observations.   

 “Last year, Mount Everest hit record permit numbers but it happened very late,” said Dan Stretch, operations manager for Global Rescue and a veteran of deployments to Nepal during the climbing seasons. “This year, like most things, the number of people embarking on high climbs in the Himalayas is still unclear.” 

 Legendary high-climber and a member of the Global Rescue Mountain Advisory Council, Ed Viesturs, suggests Nepal will be extra crowded. “There won’t be any climbing access from the China side. It’ll be interesting to see what countries like Nepal and Pakistan require for entry,” he said. 

 Providing nonstop, 24/7 medical emergency support for a massive number of people taking part in extreme, high-altitude activities is not for the faint of heart.  

 “We are flexible and physically fit in order to be efficient on the ground. We constantly research the area and the resources available. We stay close to the airport to coordinate and be part of airborne transports. Unexpected weather plays a big role. We make certain to have a plan B that includes a sleeping bag, portable oxygen canisters and special high–altitude equipment when we pack — in case we have to overnight on the mountain at Mount Everest Base Camp (17,598 feet/5,364 meters) to support emergency rescue operations,” Koo said. 

 The Global Rescue deployment team remains on-site for the duration of the two-month climbing season. The days are long, often lasting up to 16 hours.  

 “We are active from sunrise to sundown. If there are no ongoing rescues, that’s when we follow up with rescued members, check on their care, complete administrative requirements and rest up. Each deployed team member has at least one day a week to chill out, get a massage, go sightseeing, do anything to rest, recuperate and prepare for the next few days,” Koo said.  

Global Rescue is the leading emergency rescue resource for mountaineers, climbers and those who love the mountains. The Global Rescue Mountain Advisory Council helps keep services at peak level. The Mountain Advisory Council is led by Viesturs, world-famous high-altitude climber Nirmal “Nims” Purja, outdoor adventure safety expert and longtime mountaineering author Jed Williamson, Global Rescue’s Koo and Stretch. 

Additional Mountain Advisory Council members include:   

• Wilderness and altitude sickness expert Dr. Eric Johnson is a Global Rescue associate medical director, past president of the Wilderness Medical Society and member of the Board of Directors of the Himalaya Rescue Association. Johnson is also one of the founders of Everest ER. 
• Special operations and critical planning authority Scott Hume is Global Rescue’s vice president operations and the former Chief Operations Officer of the 3rd Brigade 25th Infantry Division.   
• Former Navy SEAL and manager of Global Rescue Security Operations Harding Bush has extensive mountain and cold weather operations expertise. He has developed multiple training programs for ski mountaineering and cold weather survival. He is a graduate of several U.S. and NATO Mountaineering courses including the Slovenian Mountain Warfare School. 

Stretch predicts that 2022 will be wide open on Mount Everest. “If 2021 is anything to go by, there won’t be any limitations on group size. Expect record permits distributed with no enforced rules. Climbers should go with expedition organizers who take COVID-19 precautions seriously,” he said.   

Koo and his deployment team are taking it all in stride. “We are comfortable in Nepal. Our partners are super nice. It’s like a second home.” 

Contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or 202.560.1195 (phone/text) for more information.

About Global Rescue   

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.   

Major Shift in Comfort Levels for Cruises 

Lebanon, N.H. – May 9, 2022 – Call it defiance or acceptance, the world’s most experienced travelers are returning to international travel despite a war in Eastern Europe, threats of new COVID variants, and lingering fears following two years of pandemic-related restrictions, according to the Global Rescue Spring 2022 Traveler Safety and Sentiment Survey.  

“Now more than ever, people want to travel. Many (27%) travelers expect to spend extra time or more money – or both – on upcoming vacations to compensate for the two-year pandemic-induced travel moratorium,” said Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue, the leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce. 

“Travelers see the best window for international travel is now. They’re not going to miss it despite government policy hurdles, remaining coronavirus fears or military conflict in Eastern Europe,” Richards said. 

An overwhelming majority (84%) of travelers are less or much less concerned about travel today compared to the beginning of the pandemic.  

More than three-quarters (78%) of respondents say the threat of a new COVID variant is not likely or not likely at all going to make them cancel or postpone international travel this year. Nearly the same percentage (71%) of travelers report they are somewhat or not concerned about international travel since the beginning of the war in Ukraine.  

Experts predict international travel will meet, and possibly exceed, pre-pandemic levels in 2022. “People are going to travel in record numbers this year,” Richards said referring to the World Travel & Tourism Council travel projections. 

Many are already traveling abroad, according to the survey. More than half of the respondents (56%) have traveled internationally since the pandemic, a 33% increase compared to six months ago. Sixteen percent expect to travel internationally by the end of June, and another 16% plan to travel abroad by the end of the year.  

Travelers who cruise reflected a major swing in their comfort levels. Last summer, 74% of respondents reported they did not feel safe on a cruise compared to only 10% today who say they would not feel safe on a cruise, reflecting a seven-fold decrease in cruise ship fears.  

The survey results show more than three-quarters of travelers (76%) are planning outdoor activities and adventure trips for 2022. Forty-four percent of travelers are scheduling relaxation vacations, 33% are preparing for reunions with family and friends, 18% are looking forward to educational/learning trips, 12% are anticipating trips for weddings, honeymoons and anniversaries, 8% are planning cuisine-based travel and 2% are organizing genealogical/ancestral research travel. 

About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey   

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, conducted a survey of more than 1,200 of its current and former members between April 5 and 9, 2022. The respondents exposed a significant range in travel confidence and international travel activity as well as preferences for international travel policies.  

Contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or 202.560.1195 (phone/text) for more information.

About Global Rescue  

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com. 

Digital Nomadism, Location-Independent Work Here to Stay

Lebanon, N.H. May 3, 2022 – The next several years of business travel and an office-bound workforce will be a bit like the Wild West as business managers and employees pioneer a new balance for productivity as the world emerges from the worst of the pandemic, according to travel risk expert Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue. National Travel and Tourism Week (May 1-7) celebrates the value of business travel, especially in a year when the business road warrior community and the travel industry recover from the worst of the pandemic that effectively grounded international business travel.   

“The future of business travel will be structured around more digital nomadism and location-independent work. Both of which are not going away,” Richards said.

A third of business travelers now have a remote work schedule and many of them will travel more and longer as a result. 

“Virtual substitution for in-person meetings is here to stay. The pandemic has demonstrated productive work can be done from almost anywhere, leading to people taking advantage of that circumstance,” he said. 

The prospect of working from anywhere under more flexible attendance policies is going to give many staffers the ability to live and work in places they couldn’t before. The biggest management challenge in this evolving environment will be the ability to supervise a location-independent workforce.

“Managing the remote workforce will be a new challenge as unprecedented numbers of employees log in from the beach, mountains and other places where they’ve chosen to live. Management and employees need to consider how duty of care plays a role,” Richards said.

Contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or 202.560.1195 (phone/text) for more information.

About Global Rescue

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com. 

Lebanon, N.H. – May 2, 2022 – Despite international borders opening and COVID severity diminishing, one–out–of three travelers are experiencing travel hesitancy due to the war in Ukraine, the possibility of new coronavirus variants or lingering fears following two years of pandemic-related restrictions, according to the Global Rescue Spring 2022 Traveler Safety and Sentiment Survey.

Seven–out–of 10 (71%) of survey takers are somewhat concerned, concerned or much more concerned, about international travel since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. The rest (29%) report they are not concerned at all.

Traveler hesitancy is also coming from anxiety about where to go, or when to get back to travel after two years of pandemic-related travel restrictions. “In January 2021, 55% of respondents said they were more or much more concerned about travel. Today, 45% fewer travelers are expressing travel hesitancy. The recent survey reveals less than a third (30%) of travelers are experiencing re-entry to travel anxiety,” said Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue, the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Conversely, the survey revealed 89% of respondents say the war in Ukraine has not changed their travel plans and the overwhelming majority (70%) of travelers are not experiencing any re-entry to travel anxiety. An even larger majority (84%) of survey takers report they are less or much less concerned about travel today compared to the beginning of the pandemic.

“Most travelers (78%) do not consider the threat of future COVID-19 variants significant enough to make them cancel or postpone international travel this year,” Richards said. “More than half of respondents (56%) already have traveled internationally since the pandemic with 35% expecting to travel abroad before the end of the year.”

COVID-19 remains a concern with international travelers, less so for the potential threat of a severe illness and more so due to the possibility of being stranded in a foreign country. According to the survey, 59% of respondents say testing positive for COVID-19 and being stranded away from home is their biggest fear about international travel. Fifteen percent of travelers say producing a negative COVID-19 test to meet U.S. re-entry requirements is their main concern.

About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey 

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, conducted a survey of more than 1,200 of its current and former members between April 5 and 9, 2022. The respondents exposed a significant range in travel confidence and international travel activity as well as preferences for international travel policies.

Contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or 202.560.1195 (phone/text) for more information.

About Global Rescue

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.

Travel protection is no longer an option; local getaway gems are rediscovered.

Lebanon, N.H. April 29, 2022 – Obtaining travel protection and using local getaways are the two biggest lessons learned since the pandemic started, according to travel risk expert Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue. National Travel and Tourism Week (May 1-7) celebrates the value of travel, especially in a year when the U.S and the rest of the world are emerging from the worst of the pandemic that virtually shut down international travel.

The first important lesson learned is the need for travel protection beyond lost luggage or delayed flights. The pandemic raised awareness of the limitations of traditional travel insurance and the value of stand-alone medical assistance and evacuation safety net.

“The traveler mindset has made a tectonic shift, moving travel protection for emergency medical services and evacuation from ‘optional’ to ‘obligatory’. Travelers learned that emergency rescue and evacuation services are often essential, whether it’s due to COVID-19, a natural disaster, civil unrest or simply needing emergency help when you’re traveling,” Richards said.

The second important lesson realized is the beauty of local travel.

“COVID-19 opened the door for people to explore and appreciate the great outdoors nearby, and people flooded through the doorway,” Richards said. 

Outdoor activity worldwide is reaching unprecedented heights of curiosity and participation among beginners, experts and everyone in between.

“Whether or not destination travel is disrupted in the future, travelers learned to take advantage of local, outdoor activities. We learned, too. That’s why we eliminated our 100+ miles-from-home requirement to access our rescue services,” Richards said.

Global Rescue is the first and only travel risk and crisis management company to make this change. Now whether you’re near home or abroad and you get ill or injured and you’re unable to get to safety on your own, Global Rescue members are protected. 

Contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or 202.560.1195 (phone/text) for more information.

About Global Rescue

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.

Will security technology minimize global threats?
Are environmental policies a key to protecting destinations at risk?

Lebanon, N.H. April 28, 2022 – The next decade of travel will face new and familiar threats, but security advances may stem global impacts if leaders act together worldwide, according to travel risk expert Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue. National Travel and Tourism Week (May 1-7) is an important time to commit brainpower and resources to recognize probable threats and moderate their impact as the travel industry recovers from the worst of a pandemic.

The biggest threats to the future of travel in the next decade include things like war, pandemics, terrorism and natural disaster.

“Some leaders might think the COVID-19 pandemic is over and there’s no need to spend money to protect against a potential pandemic, but infectious disease outbreaks remain an existential threat in the future,” Richards said. Health security measures deployed in transportation hubs like airports and railway terminals are essential. “Adding pathogen scanners to the current array of metal detectors, backscatter x-ray machines, millimeter-wave scanners, and cabinet x-ray machines must be a top priority,” Richards said.

Technology exists today to identify pathogens that spread through the air. “We can use technology in transportation hubs to identify infectious disease outbreaks and take immediate action. That technology can be deployed in a way so the protocols don’t increase friction in travel,” he added.

Richards expects an increasing number of environmental restoration policies to surface that will improve access to key biodiversity areas in a sustainable way. “Implementing effective conservation refurbishment programs will take time, money and effort,” he said.

The rising cost of fuel, lodging and travel are silent threats that could make travel to some destinations unaffordable for many.

“These are all potential threats that could be mitigated if we put our minds and our resources into it,” he said.

Contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or 202.560.1195 (phone/text) for more information.

About Global Rescue

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.

Advancing technology brings travelers closer to inner, outer space and mixed reality.

Lebanon, N.H. April 27, 2022 – The future of travel will include distinct destinations, including space travel, undersea expeditions and virtual reality trips, according to travel risk expert Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue. National Travel and Tourism Week (May 1-7) commemorates travel history and projects the future of travel – more important than ever as travelers worldwide emerge from the worst of a pandemic that effectively eliminated travel abroad.

Virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality are opportunities that could supplement physical travel.

“The argument goes that the material world may lose its allure as virtual reality technology advances. In the movie, The Matrix, reality is defined simply as electrical signals interpreted by your brain. I disagree. Virtual reality and its derivatives are ‘pseudo travel’ and, ultimately, we’re going to want to go see the places we’ve visited virtually. Humans are born to travel, explore and experience and no computer-generated experience will ever replace it,” Richards said.

There are fewer places to explore on Earth’s surface.

“Undersea and the cosmos are the next long-term destination priorities,” Richards said.

Based on advances in technology, it appears the human race is destined to explore inner and outer space. The International Space Station and Biosphere 2 Ocean are programs designed to explore and understand those environments. Space tourism is already available, although at present a 90-minute tour costs nearly half a million dollars per person for a few minutes of weightlessness.

“It’s only a matter of time before opportunity increases, excursions mature, and costs decrease for space travel. The tide of undersea tourism is rising, too,” Richards said.

The world’s first underwater hotel opened in 2018, the world’s largest underwater restaurant cut the ribbon a year later, and underwater art galleries are spreading like Ngaro Underwater Sculpture Trail in Australia’s Whitsunday Islands – each brings marine tourism to greater depths.

Contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or 202.560.1195 (phone/text) for more information.

About Global Rescue

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.

Lebanon, NH – April 26, 2022 – Titan Business Awards, a New York City-based program recognizing innovative business excellence, named Global Rescue winner of the 2022 Titan Gold Award for “Local Field Rescue Service” in the Travel Product and Services category.

“The award honors the far-reaching efforts of entrepreneurs and organizations around the world, whose contributions are far beyond the norm, and proudly celebrates your arrival on the global stage of innovation and ingenuity,” said Thomas Brandt, Titan Awards spokesperson. More than 800 award nominees were submitted from nearly 50 countries including, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Netherlands, and Canada.

Global Rescue announced Local Field Rescue emergency services in response to the pandemic and the increase in traveler time outdoors both near and far away from home. Global Rescue is the first and only travel risk and crisis management company providing Local Field Rescue.

“COVID-19 opened the door for people to explore and appreciate the great outdoors nearby, and people flooded through the doorway. But with an increase in local, outdoor activities there is a parallel expectation of the need for rescue services,” said Global Rescue CEO Dan Richards and a member of the U.S. Department of Commerce U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board.

“Improvise, adapt, overcome. Global Rescue’s Local Field Rescue perfectly captures the essence of what it takes to survive in turbulent times,” Brandt said.

“Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. We supply unparalleled resources to address the increasingly challenging and complex world in which we live,” Richards said.

Global Rescue’s pioneering methods and model have secured its reputation as the most forward-thinking service of its kind.

About International Awards Associate (IAA)

The International Awards Associate (IAA) is the organizer of the Titan Business Awards. IAA’s mission is to honor, promote and encourage professional excellence, from industry to industry, internationally and domestically, through award platforms that are industry appropriate. IAA assembled the TITAN Business Awards to bring attention to the international business industry and promote their strategies, cultures, and teamwork to the world.  

About Global Rescue 

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises, including COVID-19. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.

Travelers postpone Eastern Europe and European trips; add security services to travel protection

Lebanon, N.H. – April 25, 2022 – Most international trip takers (89%) are not changing travel plans due to the war in Ukraine. But travelers planning to visit Europe or Eastern European countries are postponing or canceling their excursions, according to the world’s most experienced travelers taking the Global Rescue Spring 2022 Traveler Safety and Sentiment Survey.

Forty-two percent of travelers say the war in Ukraine caused them to cancel or postpone a trip to Russia, Ukraine or any other country in Eastern Europe. Nearly the same percentage (36%) say the war caused them to cancel or postpone a trip to Europe.

According to the survey, 43% of travelers say the war in Ukraine makes them more or much more likely to obtain travel security services that provide evacuation and advisory when you are in danger due to things like insurgent attacks, civil unrest and unpredictable natural disasters.

“War makes adjacent regions unpredictable and potentially more dangerous and understandably drives travelers to global destinations with no threat of conflict. These conditions also increase demand for extra travel protection services,” said Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue, the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

While many travelers are delaying trips due to the war, an equal number are not. More than a third (37%) of respondents say they did not cancel or postpone a trip to Europe, according to the survey.

“Traveler concerns are split about going abroad. Nearly half (43%) of travelers say they are somewhat concerned about international travel but 28% are not concerned at all while the same percentage are much more concerned,” Richards said.

Once travelers are abroad, military conflict is among the least of their concerns. Thirty-nine percent say having an accident, sustaining an injury, or getting sick (but not with COVID) is the biggest non-COVID fear about international travel followed by trip cancellation (22%), civil unrest and terrorism (16%), war (8%), being robbed (7%), natural disaster (3%) and identity theft (2%).

“People are born with a natural desire to travel and explore. Despite the pandemic, the war, rising fuel costs, government and airline policies and other barriers to travel, people are going to travel in record numbers this year,” Richards said referring to the World Travel & Tourism Council projections that travel will surpass pre-pandemic levels.

About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, conducted a survey of more than 1,200 of its current and former members between April 5 and 9, 2022. The respondents exposed a significant range in travel confidence and international travel activity as well as preferences for international travel policies.

Contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or 202.560.1195 (phone/text) for more information.

About Global Rescue

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com. 

Travelers plan to spend more time and money on trips to make up for lost travel

Lebanon, N.H. – April 18, 2022 – Travelers want a pandemic-related policy requirement for negative COVID test before returning to the U.S. from abroad eliminated, according to the world’s most experienced travelers responding to the Global Rescue Spring 2022 Traveler Safety and Sentiment Survey.

A third of travelers (32%) say the U.S. government should immediately eliminate for everyone the requirement for a negative COVID test for fully vaccinated inbound international travelers to the U.S. while nearly an equal amount (34%) say the requirement should be removed for U.S. citizens but not non-citizens.

“Unfortunately, many of today’s governmental rules are not medically indicated.  We’re hopeful that changes soon,” said Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue, the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

The overwhelming majority of travelers (84%) are less or much less concerned about travel today compared to the beginning of the pandemic. But 15% of survey-takers report producing a negative COVID-19 test to meet U.S. re-entry requirements is their main travel concern behind being stranded away from home after testing positive for COVID-19.

According to the survey, many travelers believe they no longer need pandemic protocols, including masking and physical distancing. Almost half of the respondents (42%) say there are no pandemic-related behaviors they plan to continue unless required. A third (33%) of respondents disagree and say they plan to continue masking despite easing of mask requirements.

“Travelers want to travel now more than ever. One–out–of four travelers (27%) will spend more time or more money – or both – on trips to make up for curtailed travel due to the pandemic. They’re going to get their travel revenge once governments allow them to move with fewer or no restrictions,” Richards said.

About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, conducted a survey of more than 1,200 of its current and former members between April 5 and 9, 2022. The respondents exposed a significant range in travel confidence and international travel activity as well as preferences for international travel policies.

Contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or 202.560.1195 (phone/text) for more information.

About Global Rescue

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.

Lebanon-based Travel Risk Company Celebrates Resilient Spirit and Enduring Strength Through International Travel Images Since the Pandemic   

Lebanon, N.H. – March 31, 2022 – Following 24-months of extraordinary travel restrictions, challenges and prohibitions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, an international collection of images on display at the Darthmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) captures the irrepressible soul and abiding toughness of travelers who have ventured near and far.

“Research shows patients who have dynamic, colorful art available to them heal faster. Scientists have also found that images of nature can actually reduce pain, anxiety, stress and boost the immune system. The Global Rescue international photo contest exhibition showcases the resilient and enduring spirit of people around the world as they face the challenges of the pandemic,” said Marianne Barthel, DHMC director of the Arts and Humanities Program.

“Everyone was impacted by the pandemic, some more severely than others. Travelers were, and are, eager to fight back to regain their family vacations, business trips and adventure travels,” said Dan Richards, CEO of Lebanon-based Global Rescue, the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services. “The flexibility and toughness demonstrated by travelers and the travel and tourism industry can only be defined as resilience.”

The annual Global Rescue photo contest began in 2013 to showcase the amazing expeditions and journeys of travelers.

“Amateur and professional photographers from all over the world submitted nearly 500 images for consideration in the 2021 Photo Contest. While all were outstanding, the 24 images on display serve as the most moving testaments to traveler tenacity during the pandemic,” said Chelsea Bakos-Kallgren, an award-winning graphic designer and design head for Global Rescue.

• The Global Rescue Travel Photo Exhibition at the DHMC’s Williamson Translational Research Building runs from April 8 to June 27, 2022.

• DHMC’s Williamson Translational Research Building, located at One Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, is open at all times.

• Entry to the exhibit is free and open to anyone with a scheduled medical appointment, visitors for patient(s) in the hospital and caregivers for an outpatient visit. Parking is available.

• Call 603-643-4120 for details.

The contest featured four categories: togetherness, landscape, outdoor activity and animal travel companions.

• The grand prize winner and first place winner of the Togetherness category was Mithail Afrige Chowdhury for his photograph “COVIID-Negative Celebration” – a Bangladeshi birthday celebration for a 12-year-old girl who had just beaten her battle with coronavirus.
• Skier and photographer Chuck Evans sacrificed a ski run to capture his winning image in the Landscape category. “Pure Bliss” captured Evans’ friend and professional skier, Ricky Ceccant, during an April 2021 heli-ski trip to Haines, Alaska.
• In the Outdoor Action Category, first place was awarded to Har Rai Khalsa, an Oregon native who grew up snowboarding, windsurfing and surfing and later fell in love with photography in high school. His photograph – “Immersed in Brazil” – depicts a submerged Italian windsurfer, Greta Marchegger.
• “Best Friends” by Joshua Tobey – a wildlife sculptor whose work is on display in four states – won the Animal Travel Companion category. During a September 2021 family trip in Wyoming’s Green Mountain, Indy – a Parson Russell terrier – climbed up and perched on the shoulder of a family member who was tracking elk using binoculars.     

“The photographers found strength, spirit, courage, character, flexibility and determination in their subjects during a time when we all needed it,” Richards said.   

The judges’ panel included: Mark Edward Harris, who has visited and photographed in more than 100 countries; Lydia Schrandt, who serves as the first chair of the Editors Council of the Society of American Travel Writers; Paul Shoul, photographer for GoNomad.com; and Bakos-Kallgren.

“The resilience captured in these images highlights the flexibility and toughness of travelers during a period when the whole world shared the same challenge,” said Michael Holmes, VP Marketing at Global Rescue.   

About Global Rescue   

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation, and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments, and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor, and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments, and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com. 

Contact: Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or 202.560.1195 (phone/text) for more information.  

Traveler requests for non-medical security evacuation services jump 31% since Russian invasion of Ukraine.   

Lebanon, N.H. – March 9, 2022 – The military conflict in Eastern Europe is driving travelers to purchase security service plans that provide emergency evacuation capabilities when individuals are in danger from insurgent attacks, terrorism, civil unrest and natural disasters. Traveler requests for non-medical security evacuation services jumped 31% since the Russian invasion of Ukraine.  

“Uncertainty in travel generally results in an increase in traveler demand for emergency medical and security services. Between the war and the pandemic, travelers want medical and emergency response services more than ever,” said Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue, the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce.   

“Nobody wants to imagine a security emergency abroad. But, if you’re traveling or working internationally then the possibility of civil unrest, unpredicted natural disaster or terrorism is always present. If you’re near a war zone, the potential spikes for a government-issued declaration to evacuate,” Richards said.   

While concern is high for Eastern European countries directly involved in the conflict, it is premature for travelers to cancel international trips including to other countries in the region, such as Poland, Romania, Bulgaria and the Baltic States. Nevertheless, travelers should plan and prepare.  

“War is not a tourist attraction. There are plenty of global destinations with no threat of conflict. Travelers should make those locations their vacation spots,” said Harding Bush, former Navy SEAL and manager of security operations for Global Rescue.   

“Travelers should obtain emergency travel protection plans that provide evacuation and advisory services, which should be taken advantage of during the planning process,” Bush said.  

“Being proactive and preparing for the possibility of a security emergency could mean the difference between a safe departure and being trapped in a dangerous situation out of your control,” said Bush, who after serving in the military worked in war torn Yemen between 2011 and 2015.  

About Global Rescue   

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com. 

Media Contact 

For all media-related inquiries, please contact:  

Bill McIntyre  

Director, Communications

+1.202.560.1195 (call/text) 

bmcintyre@globalrescue.com

Lebanon, NH – February 28, 2022 – LUXlife Magazine, a U.K.-based lifestyle publication, named Global Rescue winner of the 2022 LUXlife Travel & Tourism Award for “Best Travel Risk & Crisis Management Services Provider” in the magazine’s 7th annual Travel & Tourism Awards.  

“As the borders open and tourists begin to return to their favorite spots, we at LUXlife Magazine feel it’s the perfect time to reveal the businesses and enterprises responsible for making our dream holidays and adventures come to life with the deserved exposure,” said Holly Blackwood, LUXlife Magazine awards executive. 

The Travel & Tourism industry is one of the largest sectors in the world, contributing trillions each year and providing the global economy with millions of jobs. “2021 has been uniquely challenging for the industry, as we slowly embark on the journey to recovery,” she said. 

“The pandemic raised awareness of the limitations of traditional travel insurance and the value of a stand-alone medical assistance and evacuation safety net,” said Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue, member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce and a Global Member of the World Travel and Tourism Council.  

“Travel insurance and protection services are taking off at pace with travel as it resumes. Emergency rescue and evacuation services are often essential, whether it’s due to a natural disaster, civil unrest, pandemic or simply needing emergency help when you’re traveling,” he said. 

The annual LUXlife Travel & Tourism Awards are conferred to nominees who demonstrate expertise within their field, dedication to customer service and a commitment to promoting excellence.   

“Global Rescue provides its consumer, enterprise and government clients with unparalleled resources to address the increasingly challenging and complex world we live in,” Richards said.   

Global Rescue’s pioneering methods and model have secured its reputation as the most forward-thinking service of its kind.   

About the LUXlife Magazine Travel & Tourism Awards 

The LUXlife Magazine (circ. 238,000/2,000,000 annual page views) Travel & Tourism Awards cover all travel and tourism markets including travel agencies and services, food and beverages providers, lodging and accommodations management, transportation, entertainment and tours. The 2022 Travel & Tourism Awards are judged purely on merit following in-house research and analysis of online and public domain information as well as any materials supplied by nominees.   

About Global Rescue 

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises, including COVID-19. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.  

Contact: Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or 202.560.1195 (phone/text) for more information.  

Upper Valley Travel Risk Company Celebrates Resilient Spirit and Enduring Strength Through International Travel Images Since the Pandemic   

Lebanon, N.H. – February 23, 2022 – After two years of extraordinary travel restrictions, challenges and prohibitions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, an international collection of images on display at the Howe Library’s Ledyard Gallery captures the resilient spirit and enduring strength of travelers who have ventured near and far.  

“Everyone was impacted by the pandemic, some more severely than others. Travelers were, and are, eager to fight back to regain their family vacations, business trips and adventure travels,” said Dan Richards, CEO of Lebanon-based Global Rescue, the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services. “The flexibility and toughness demonstrated by travelers and the travel and tourism industry can only be defined as resilience.”  

The annual Global Rescue photo contest began in 2013 to showcase the amazing expeditions and journeys of travelers.  

“Amateur and professional photographers from all over the world submitted nearly 500 images for consideration in the 2021 Photo Contest. While all were outstanding, the 24 images on display serve as the most moving testaments to traveler tenacity during the pandemic,” said Chelsea Bakos-Kallgren, an award-winning graphic designer and design head for Global Rescue.

• The Global Rescue Travel Photo Exhibition at the Howe Library Ledyard Gallery runs from March 5 to April 6, 2022.
   
• The Howe Library’s Ledyard Gallery, located at 13 South Street, Hanover, NH, is open Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m.–7 p.m., Friday from 12–5 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and Sunday from 12–5 p.m.  

• Entry to the exhibit is free. Call 603-643-4120 for details. 

The contest featured four categories: togetherness, landscape, outdoor activity and animal travel companions.   

• The grand prize winner and first place winner of the Togetherness category was Mithail Afrige Chowdhury for his photograph “COVIID-Negative Celebration” – a Bangladeshi birthday celebration for a 12-year-old girl who had just beaten her battle with coronavirus.  
• Skier and photographer Chuck Evans sacrificed a ski run to capture his winning image in the Landscape category. “Pure Bliss” captured Evans’ friend and professional skier, Ricky Ceccant, during an April 2021 heli-ski trip to Haines, Alaska.    
• In the Outdoor Action category, first place was awarded to Har Rai Khalsa, an Oregon native who grew up snowboarding, windsurfing and surfing and later fell in love with photography in high school. His photograph – “Immersed in Brazil” – depicts a submerged Italian windsurfer, Greta Marchegger.    
• “Best Friends” by Joshua Tobey – a wildlife sculptor whose work is on display in four states – won the Animal Travel Companion category. During a September 2021 family trip in Wyoming’s Green Mountain, Indy – a Parson Russell terrier – climbed up and perched on the shoulder of a family member who was tracking elk using binoculars.    

“The photographers found strength, spirit, courage, character, flexibility and determination in their subjects during a time when we all needed it,” Richards said.  

The judges’ panel included: Mark Edward Harris, who has visited and photographed in more than 100 countries; Lydia Schrandt, who serves as the first chair of the Editors Council of the Society of American Travel Writers; Paul Shoul, photographer for GoNomad.com; and Bakos-Kallgren.    

“The resilience captured in these images highlights the flexibility and toughness of travelers during a period when the whole world shared the same challenge,” said Michael Holmes, VP Marketing at Global Rescue.  

About Global Rescue   

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation, and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments, and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor, and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments, and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com. 

Contact: Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or 202.560.1195 (phone/text) for more information.  

The pros and cons of the pandemic-driven evolution of business travel 

Lebanon, N.H. – February 22, 2022 – Location-independent work is here to stay, and it’s expanding. A return to pre-pandemic levels of traditional business travel is not going to occur. A third of business travelers (34%) now have a work-remotely schedule and 35% of them will travel more and longer as a result, according to the Winter 2022 Global Rescue Travel Safety and Sentiment survey. At the same time, 75% of business travelers have already traveled domestically for business, 27% internationally, according to the survey. 

“Business travel has changed permanently but that doesn’t necessarily mean there will be less of it, just that it will be different,” said Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue, the leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services.  

Richards says the bar for traveling to a meeting has been raised forever. “Virtual substitution for in-person meetings is here to stay. The pandemic has demonstrated that productive work can be done from almost anywhere and that is leading to people taking advantage of that circumstance,” he said. 

Bleisure travel — a portmanteau of business and leisure that refers to a growing trend of business travelers tacking leisure days onto a work-related trip — is also destined to last, particularly among younger employees without children.

Nine-out-of-10 (93.42%) travelers are “less or much less” concerned about travel since the height of the pandemic. Growing traveler confidence will drive more remote work and bleisure behavior. 

“The prospect of working from anywhere under more flexible attendance policies is going to give many staffers the ability to live and work in places they couldn’t before. This will be good for the economies of many semi-rural communities, but it could be troublesome for cities,” Richards said. 

The biggest challenge in this evolving environment will be the ability to manage a location-independent workforce. “Managing the remote workforce will be a new challenge as unprecedented numbers of employees log in from the beach, mountains and other places where they’ve chosen to live,” he said. 

Employers need to make certain their duty of care legal requirements are comprehensively detailed.  

“Company leaders like CEOs, chief security officers, travel managers and human resources directors are accountable for the development and oversight of policies, programs and logistics that protect traveling staff. They carry a duty of care responsibility to their people, to take care of them and avoid exposing them to any unnecessary or undue risk,” Richards said.  

About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, conducted a survey of more than 1,400 of its current and former members between January 25-29, 2022. The respondents exposed a significant rebound in travel confidence and travel abroad activity as well as critical preferences for remote, outdoor destinations and travel protection services.    

About Global Rescue  

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.  

Contact: Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or 202.560.1195 (phone/text) for interviews or more information.  

Massive 88% jump in travel abroad; longer, more remote trips expected 

Lebanon, N.H. – February 14, 2022 – Nearly half of travelers (49%) have already taken an international trip, reflecting an 88% jump in travel abroad since the summer of 2021. Domestically, 85% of respondents have already traveled, signaling an 18% increase since the summer of 2021, according to the Winter 2022 Global Rescue Travel Safety and Sentiment survey of the world’s most experienced travelers.  

More people are returning to travel domestically and abroad, according to the survey. Nine out of 10 travelers are “much less or less” concerned about travel since the pandemic, revealing a 22% increase in travel confidence since the summer of 2021.  

“All signals are pointing to the beginning of the end of international travel restrictions due to the pandemic. Countries like New Zealand, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and others are opening their borders as severe COVID-19 illnesses and hospitalizations decline, vaccinations increase and testing is more convenient. Domestic travel continues to increase but the big news is that travel abroad is surging,” said Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue, the leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services.  

Destination preferences continue to lean toward out-of-the-way places in the open air with fewer people. More than three-quarters of respondents (76%) are planning more outdoor, remote travel – a 40% increase compared to traveler responses nearly a year ago. For the first time since the pandemic started, an overwhelming majority of travelers (82%) indicated they are planning more trips lasting five or more days.  

“When people feel safe, they travel and we are seeing tremendous, positive change in the traveler confidence about their well-being,” Richards said. According to the survey, nearly half of respondents (47%) confirm they feel safest when vaccinated or recovered from COVID followed by having medical evacuation protection (20%) and visiting uncrowded destinations or outdoor activity (17%.) 

Despite the upturn in travel attitudes and behavior, more than half of travelers (52%) admit that COVID-19 infection, its variants or quarantine is still their number one travel fear, followed by trip cancellation (17%) and having an accident or sustaining an injury (16%).  

Those travel concerns are reflected in the ongoing increase in the awareness of, and desire, for medical evacuation services. Sixty-two percent of respondents – a 17% increase compared to the fall of 2021 –identified medical evacuation protection for rescue from point of injury or illness, including COVID-19, as their preferred protection. Cancel For Any Reason trip insurance was the second most important protection (15%) and transport from treating medical facility to home or home hospital of choice (10%) was third most important. 

Travelers are divided when it comes to their opinion of how government officials are handling travel choices during the pandemic. More than a third of respondents (38%) believe current COVID-19 restrictions are “impossibly strict” or “unnecessarily strict,” while slightly more (44%) say the restrictions are “just right.” Less than a fifth (17%) say the restrictions are “too lenient.” 

About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey  

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, conducted a survey of more than 1,400 of its current and former members between January 25-29, 2022. The respondents exposed a significant rebound in travel confidence and travel abroad activity as well as critical preferences for remote, outdoor destinations and travel protection services. 

Contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or 202.560.1195 (phone/text) for more information. 

About Global Rescue 

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com. 

Lebanon, N.H. – February 1, 2022 – The 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China will be unlike any other because of the COVID-19 threat. While the U.S. Ski & Snowboard team prepares for the celebrated international competition, Global Rescue is poised to provide emergency support in the event of illness or injury among any of the team members, as the company did during the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2016 and 2018 Winter Games. “As we have for the past five Winter Games, we have emergency action plans in place for the U.S. Ski and Snowboard team,” said Dan Richards, Global Rescue CEO.  

“Chinese officials have implemented a closed-loop policy to protect against the spread of the disease. Global Rescue medical and security experts will not be allowed on-site, but members of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard team will have access to Global Rescue’s on-staff medical experts for real-time consultations with U.S.-based medical professionals who will help sort out any injuries or illnesses, including COVID-19,” Richards said. 

Global Rescue has helped protect the health and safety of U.S. Ski & Snowboard members since 2006. “Global Rescue provides valuable travel protection, security and medical resource services for U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes and staff as they travel abroad to compete on the world stage,” said Sophie Goldschmidt, President and CEO, U.S. Ski & Snowboard. 

In the event of a major injury or illness — like a head injury or COVID-19 — U.S. Ski & Snowboard members will be able to supplement on-site diagnoses and treatment with Global Rescue on-staff medical experts.  

“With hotline access to medical advisory and a host of other services, the Global Rescue safety net provides an additional layer of protection beyond the closed loop Chinese officials have installed. Global Rescue medical experts can assess the team member’s circumstance, provide additional medical guidance and arrange for their medical evacuation back to their home hospital of choice in the United States, if necessary,” Richards said. 

Official Chinese resources will handle ground and air transports for medical evacuations. “Any emergency medical situation arising that requires outside, non-Chinese support will be handled on a case-by-case basis by international government and medical officials. It’s all quite unprecedented,” Richards said. 

“U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes, coaches and staff are introduced to Global Rescue throughout many membership area touchpoints, including information contained in membership and sport education emails and through the benefits platform at my.usskiandsnowboard.org,” said Tom Horrocks, U.S. Ski & Snowboard. 

Global Rescue’s medical emergency and evacuation role during the Olympics in China is the larger focus compared to the safety and security concerns during the 2016 Winter Olympics in Sochi when threats from terrorism were looming. But both concerns require similar action. 

“A threat is a threat, so there really is no difference in the need to leave a situation at a moment’s notice, whether it is an accident, medical emergency, or pandemic. Getting out quickly and efficiently is the key,” Horrocks said.

Contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or 202.560.1195 (phone/text) for more information.

About Global Rescue

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last decade. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.