Global Mobility and Crisis Planning

One of the most devastating things that can happen to a family is the unexpected death of a loved one.   You can't plan for it, death tends to come as a surprise.  And when the death occurs overseas the experience is even more traumatic.  The cultural and legal aspects of death and dying are varied across the globe.  Local customs, laws and procedures may not be clearly understood, creating barriers during an already trying time.

While we don't like to talk about the subject of death abroad, and I don't wish to be morbid, we must plan for every possible scenario.   Develop an Emergency Response Plan detailing steps to be followed addressing the death of an employee or any other crisis event such as a disappearance.  When building a plan, consider the following:

Disappearance:

1. Gather information (when/where last seen?  Last contact?  How traveling?  Was s/he seen with someone?  What search efforts have been initiated?)
2. Advise the U.S. State department.

Death:

1. Begin an event log, gathering background information and report crisis developments and responses.
2. Confirm status through local agencies (police, hospital, consulate)
3. Establish communication with family.
4. Seek assistance from U.S. Embassy/Consulate.
5. Contact local police and/or other law enforcement authorities in the country.
6. Coordinate the repatriation of remains. 

On the domestic front we plan for emergencies such as floods and tornadoes.  We follow OSHA guidelines in the workplace for the safety and protection of our employees.  Companies doing business on a global level should review their travel policies and ensure that a protocol has been established for dealing with the illness, injury and/or death of an employee. Ensure that it addresses the medical evacuation and/or shipping of the remains.