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International SOS Launches Tsunami Update Website; Site Author and Medical Expert Dr. Doug Quarry Available for Commentary


WEBWIRE

PHILADELPHIA, PA -- Dec. 29, 2004 -- To help track the aftermath of the devastating tsunamis that struck Sumatra, Indonesia and other parts of Asia, International SOS has created a specific “Tsunami Update Website” to provide up-to-date information regarding the effects of the tidal waves that have devastated villages and seaside resorts in countries throughout Asia. According to developing reports obtained by SOS, the most affected countries are: Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Maldives and Malaysia. However, deaths have also been reported in Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Somalia. The total death toll has now exceeded 67,000.


The Website www.internationalsos.com/members_home/Tsunami/, which is available to both the general public and SOS clients, includes the latest statistics and information on the affected countries, and advice on travel to the region.

The author of the Website, International SOS medical expert Dr. Doug Quarry, is available for media interviews from Sydney, Australia to discuss the emerging situation. Dr. Quarry, who is in close contact with the SOS Singapore-based rescue effort, can comment on the developing medical crisis and the current efforts underway to rescue and evacuate survivors.

International SOS has activated crisis management teams in four of its 28 global Alarm Centers: Singapore, New Delhi, Bangkok and Jakarta, and has deployed operations specialists to Phuket (Thailand), Male (Maldives), Colombo (Sri Lanka) and Medan (North Sumatra, Indonesia). These teams are on the ground in the affected areas, working closely with local emergency authorities.

SOS has received an extraordinary number of inquiries from corporate and individual clients relating to missing persons. To streamline the management of these inquiries for its Members, SOS has set up a dedicated Missing Persons Team in its Singapore Alarm Center.

The International SOS Alarm Center in Philadelphia, one of 28 worldwide, is currently handling over 60 cases to locate missing SOS Members and manage evacuations and hospitalizations for survivors. Many of the other 27 Alarm Centers are also handling numerous cases.

About Dr. Doug Quarry

Dr. Quarry, who holds a Masters degree in Community Health, joined International SOS in 1995. He previously worked with the US Peace Corps and served as Medical Program Coordinator for the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada, providing and organizing medical care for remote northern Canadian Indian reservations. He has been a “Flying Doctor” in northern Australia, and the Medical Superintendent of a small Australian country hospital. Soon after joining the International SOS Singapore office in 1995, Dr. Quarry was promoted to Area Medical Director, Singapore Region. He worked on quality and IT projects, including the development of the SOS service provider database (“SOS Net”) and the SOS membership management software (WINIS). He is currently Medical Director of the International SOS Online Division.

About International SOS

International SOS (www.internationalsos.com) is the world’s most comprehensive provider of integrated medical and security assistance services, as well as the leading provider of remote site medical services. It has a full time staff of 4,000 professionals including a medical staff of over 1,000. Each year, International SOS handles almost 400,000 medical assistance and physician referral cases for international travelers. Aviation Desks of FAA-certified coordinators help maintain a worldwide network of air ambulance providers and a fleet of 12 dedicated air ambulances. Services include emergency medical evacuations and medically supervised repatriation; 24-hour access to staff physicians and security experts at 28 SOS Alarm Centers and 22 International Clinics worldwide; case management, medical monitoring and repatriation of mortal remains. SOS clients include the majority of Fortune 500 companies as well as leading insurance companies, credit card programs, specialty travel programs, universities, government agencies and NGO’s.

MEDIA NOTES: To interview Dr. Quarry about the current medical situation in the Asia Pacific region, please contact:

Andrea Bestul
Senior Marketing Manager
International SOS
Phone: 215-942-8050
andrea.bestul@internationalsos.com



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