Unexpected Travel Nightmares:
How your Travel Management Programme saves the day
Imagine you're all settled into your airplane seat, ready to kick back and enjoy your flight when, out of the blue, you hear an announcement over the loudspeaker: "Is there a doctor on board?" It's like a scene straight out of a movie, but guess what? Real-life medical emergencies during domestic travel happen to business travellers more often than you'd think. So, if you haven’t paid attention to your travel risk management programme, keep reading.
Let's talk about Deputy Health Minister Dr. Sibongiseni Dhlomo, for a second. He unexpectedly became a hero, helping a fellow passenger during a flight from Durban to Cape Town. And then there's former Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, who had to use his medical skills at 35,000 feet to assist another traveller in trouble. These incidents remind us that emergencies can strike anywhere, at any time.
It is clear domestic travel comes with its set of high-risk situations for business travellers. Research backs this up, and FCM, is here to help you plan ahead but also to handle unexpected situations with a duty of care travel solution. Plus, FCM keeps travellers safe with:
Risk 1: Health hiccups
Business travellers often face health issues, making up a significant 27% of travel emergencies. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a medical emergency occurs on approximately 1 in every 604 flights.
FCM is the ultimate prescription. We'll handle the travel insurance, ensuring those medical bills don't leave your travellers feeling queasy. Need a doctor? We've got contact information for local medical facilities ready to lean on, and we’ll keep our eyes on any high-risk health situations (Covid, cholera, you name them).
If a trip takes an unexpected turn, FCM steps in with clear instructions for handling medical emergencies. We’ll utilise real-time tools to ensure quick medical assistance and get those emergency plans rolling.
Smith’s tip: How do you know your traveller’s risks? Have your team complete a health travel risk assessment form. It's like a health map for your journey, covering everything from general well-being to allergies, pregnancy, and other health risks you need to have on your radar.
Risk 2: Road trip nightmares
For business travellers, transportation hiccups, like vehicle breakdowns, can make up around 22% of the travel disruptions. No biggie if it's in the city, but what if your traveller's on the way to a rural adventure, or working remotely? To put road risk in perspective, there were 57 car hijackings per day in the country last year, according to South African crime statistics.
FCM is not just your GPS; we're your travel therapist, too! We recommend reliable transportation options, collaborate with trusted taxi services, and suggest appropriate car rentals. Remember duty of care covers the wellness aspect too. Driving 1,000+kms in a car with poor aircon or uncomfortable seats doesn’t make for happy travellers. Travel safety guidelines for employees are part of the deal too. High-risk potholes ahead? You need to know what to do if you come into contact with one.
In case of a breakdown (or a car that goes AWOL), FCM offers instructions on who to contact and safety measures to take, with real-time communication tools for quick assistance.
Risk 3: Nature's surprises
Mother Nature, the ultimate prankster, likes to throw floods and other surprises our way, accounting for 10% of travel escapades.
FCM is like a weather whisperer, keeping an eye on potential weather risks and offering guidance on how to dance in the rain (or avoid it).
And when nature goes rogue during a business trip, a travel manager is there to deliver instructions on how to ride the wave or find shelter. Yup, a dedicated travel manager is available 24/7 to offer support and keep business travellers’ adventures on the sunny side.
Risk 4: Time crunch and travel woes
Ah, the race against the clock! Business travellers often find themselves slowed down due to civil unrest like strikes and flight delays, representing 15% of travel dramas. Corporate travel safety is a priority here.
FCM meticulously plans and monitors itineraries to outsmart delays. We offer real-time updates on potential flight disruptions and present alternative travel options.
Did you know that FCM offers traveller tracking, so you always know they’re safe? Get in touch with us to discover how we keep your travellers safe and sound while addressing your duty of care or find out more about travel risk management.