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Do Organisations including, Security Managers Forget About Medical Assistance? Is that an insightful or inflammatory question?  TRA Mentor Thierry Montrieux gives us his considered opinion and some trips on addressing it if the answer is anything other than NO. Security managers focus heavily on threats like theft, violence, cyberattacks, or physical intrusions—but medical assistance can sometimes get overlooked by the organisations. From my experience a few of the common reasons why this happens are:   Perceived Scope of ResponsibilityMany security managers view their role primarily as preventing security breaches, not handling health or safety. They assume medical emergencies fall under HR, health & safety, external emergency services or their designated emergency medical assistance company if one is appointed directly or via an insurance policy. Training BiasSecurity training often emphasises surveillance, access control, and emergency response for hostile threats. General first aid and medical response may be optional or underemphasised, so it doesn’t stay front of mind. Reactive vs. Preventive MindsetSecurity teams often operate in a reactive mode, preparing for intrusions or incidents. Medical events (like heart attacks, asthma, or fainting) can feel less predictable and thus get pushed aside, even though they’re statistically more likely. Budget & Resource AllocationCompanies often allocate resources to visible security measures (guards, cameras, alarms) rather than medical preparedness (AEDs, first aid kits, staff training). Over-reliance on Emergency ServicesSecurity managers sometimes assume that calling the emergency service is “enough,” forgetting that in many emergencies (e.g., cardiac arrest), the first few minutes of on-site response matter most. Cultural FactorsIn some organisations, there’s a culture of separating “safety” and “security.” This silo effect leads to gaps in holistic emergency planning. Statistically, medical emergencies are far more common in workplaces than violent intrusions, so integrating medical preparedness into security planning makes organisations safer. Whilst there are no published statistics experience tells me for every 100 incidents around 99 will be for some sort of medical emergency ranging from the simple cut to the life threatening. To help, I have put together some practical steps security managers can take to make sure medical assistance isn’t overlooked in their emergency planning: 1. Integrate Medical Response into Security Protocols Add medical emergencies (heart attacks, seizures, allergic reactions, injuries) into the same emergency response playbooks used for fire or security threats. Treat “first aid readiness” like fire extinguishers or CCTV — something that needs inspection, upkeep, and drills. 2. Train Security Personnel in First Aid Require at least basic First Aid, CPR, and AED training for all security staff.  Build this into your TRM training package. Make refresher courses mandatory (skills fade quickly if not practiced). Encourage cross-training with health & safety teams. 3. Equip the Environment Ensure AEDs (defibrillators) and first aid kits are strategically placed and checked regularly. Include trauma kits (tourniquets, pressure bandages) in areas where workplace accidents or active threats are possible. 4. Improve Communication & Coordination Establish a clear medical emergency chain of command (who calls EMS, who assists the patient, who manages crowd control). Make sure any security guards know how to guide paramedics quickly to the scene (lost minutes in large facilities are critical). Who contacts the medical assistance company and when 5. Run Joint Drills Include medical scenarios in emergency drills (e.g., simulated heart attack in the lobby, choking in the cafeteria). Involve your medical assistance company or consult a medical assistance industry expert. This makes response smoother and reduces hesitation during real incidents. 6. Leverage Technology Some security systems can integrate with panic buttons or health monitoring wearables for lone workers. CCTV operators can be trained to spot medical distress (slumping, collapsing, seizure-like activity). 7. Break Down the “Silo Mentality” Collaborate with HR, health & safety officers, and local emergency services, your medical assistance company or consult a medical assistance industry expert. Security should see themselves not just as protectors from external threats, but as first responders in all emergencies. By reframing “security” as protection of life first,  vulnerabilities second, medical preparedness becomes a natural extension of the role. Here’s a short checklist security managers could use directly in their planning, or more of a policy guide that could be adopted at an organisational level. Security & Medical Assistance Checklist 1. Training All security staff trained in First Aid, CPR, AED use Regular refresher courses scheduled Cross-training with Health & Safety team 2. Equipment AEDs installed in high-traffic areas and checked monthly First aid kits fully stocked and inspected Trauma kits available where high-risk incidents may occur 3. Procedures Medical emergencies included in security protocols Clear chain of command for medical incidents Defined role for security: first aid, scene control, EMS escort 4. Drills & Coordination Regular medical emergency drills conducted Security staff know how to guide EMS quickly to incident location Coordination established with local hospitals/EMS 5. Communication & Awareness Emergency numbers posted and known to all staff Security can communicate calmly and clearly under stress CCTV/monitoring staff trained to spot signs of distress 6. Culture & Responsibility Security team recognizes role as first responders Medical preparedness seen as equal priority to threat response Collaboration with HR & Safety teams maintained Never be afraid to seek, help, support and advice from people that have the experience to build the knowledge you need to provide the duty of care for your teams and staff.

Bridging Silos in Travel Risk Management: 5 Key Steps to Keep Employees Safe As companies expand globally, the need for a solid travel risk management programme becomes more critical. Yet, establishing this programme can be challenging, especially when departments like People Management, Vendor Management, Corporate Mobility, and Security have their own goals and responsibilities. These silos can lead to communication gaps, misaligned priorities, and missed opportunities to keep employees safe and supported. Now more than ever, leaders are seeking ways to foster collaboration for more effective travel risk management. Without aligned strategies and open communication, essential travel safety initiatives can face delays or even be compromised. Bridging silos is crucial to keeping travel risk management efficient, responsive, and proactive.    Why Silos Are Hard to Bridge — and Why They Matter in Travel Risk Management Silos naturally form as organisations grow and teams have specialised goals. By bridging these silos, companies can create an organised, effective travel risk management programme. Here are five key steps to help teams work together seamlessly.  5 Steps to Bridge Silos in Travel Risk Management    Align Leadership Across Departments Effective travel risk management programme needs a unified approach driven from the top. Leaders from People Management, Vendor Management, Corporate Mobility, and Security should regularly meet to create a shared vision and align on travel risk priorities. Forming a cross-departmental leadership team or steering committee helps ensure that each department understands its role in keeping travellers safe and how it fits into the company’s larger goals. Build Cross-Functional Travel Risk Teams Combining insights is essential for a comprehensive travel risk strategy. These cross-functional teams allow each department to share expertise. This collaborative approach results in travel programmes and policies that are both safer and more effective for everyone involved. Define Clear Roles and Responsibilities When multiple departments work together, roles can overlap. Define each team’s responsibilities within a travel risk management programme to ensure clarity. Clear roles help teams stay organised and focused on their unique responsibilities. Appoint Co-Leaders from Each Department For travel risk projects that require deep collaboration, appointing co-leaders from different departments helps balance priorities. For example, co-leaders from People Management and Vendor Management can ensure employee well-being and cost-efficiency, while a Security co-leader ensures that thorough risk assessments are factored in. This co-leadership model supports a balanced approach to decision-making.  Prioritise Travel Risk Training Across Departments Travel risk training is essential for equipping teams to support and protect employees effectively. Training ensures that each department understands travel risk protocols, their specific responsibilities, and the resources available for travellers. When employees are trained to work together across departments, they’re better prepared to act swiftly, manage emergencies, and collaborate effectively in high-stakes situations. This unified approach to training also builds a stronger, more informed travel risk management culture across the organisation.  The Path to a Strong, Unified Travel Risk Management Programme  Building a strong travel risk management programme is essential for ensuring employee safety in an unpredictable world. By adopting these five strategies and prioritising training, organisations can create a cohesive programme that is flexible, responsive, and prepared to tackle the challenges of a constantly changing environment. This approach will help companies to stay resilient and ensure the safety of employees, no matter where they travel. 

Creating a Travel Risk Management Policy A comprehensive Travel Risk Management (TRM) policy should include several key elements to effectively mitigate risks, ensure traveller safety, and meet duty of care obligations. Below are the critical components that a TRM policy should include:  Purpose and Scope * Define the purpose of the TRM policy and who it applies to (e.g., all employees, contractors, guests etc.) * Outline the scope, including all travel types (domestic, international, high-risk regions, etc.) and the activities covered (business trips, conferences, maintenance etc.) Risk Assessment and Travel Approval Process * Establish a clear process for assessing the risks of a travel destination, considering factors like security threats, health risks, political stability, and environmental concerns. * Detail a pre-travel approval process that evaluates the necessity of travel, the travellers own preparedness, and specific security measures for high-risk destinations. Duty of Care Obligations * Highlight the organisations legal and ethical duty of care responsibilities to ensure the health, safety, and security of its travellers. * Include guidelines for employees to follow during travel, covering expected behaviours and personal responsibilities. Roles and Responsibilities * Define the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders involved in travel risk management, such as HR, security teams, travel managers, and travellers. * Identify the team who is responsible for monitoring risk levels, communicating with travellers, and managing emergency responses. Traveller Education and Training * Specify the training required for travellers, including pre-trip briefings on health, safety, security, and cultural awareness specific to the destination. * Include resources such as travel safety tips, medical advice, and emergency contacts. Emergency Response and Crisis Management Plan * Provide clear protocols for responding to travel-related emergencies, including medical incidents, security threats, and natural disasters. *Outline communication procedures and designate emergency contacts both at the company and locally, including any third parties. Include evacuation /shelter in place plans and insurance details. Health, Safety, and Security Measures * Establish standards for safe accommodation and transport options, ensuring they meet health, safety, and security criteria. * Provide guidance on managing personal health during travel, including vaccinations, medications, and travel insurance coverage. Traveller Tracking and Communication * Implement a system to track travellers during their trips, ensuring real-time monitoring of their locations. * Include protocols for regular check-ins and emergency communications to maintain contact with travellers. Incident Reporting and Post-Trip Debrief * Establish a process for reporting safety or security incidents during travel, including near misses and emergencies. * Require post-trip debriefing to identify any issues faced and capture feedback for improving future travel safety measures. Insurance Coverage * Detail the insurance policies available for travellers, including health, accident, repatriation, and travel disruption coverage. * Ensure that the policy aligns with local regulations and provides sufficient protection for high-risk or high-risk activity travel. Legal and Regulatory Compliance * Ensure that the TRM policy complies with relevant local, national, and international regulations, including health and safety laws, and aligns with ISO31030:2021 Travel Risk Management guidelines. * Include guidance on compliance with local laws and customs in the travel destination. Continuous Monitoring and Policy Review * Establish procedures for continuously monitoring travel risks and updating the policy as needed to reflect new risks or changes in travel environments. * Include a formal review process to assess the effectiveness of the policy and incorporate lessons learned from previous travel incidents or feedback. Traveller Well-being and Support * Address the well-being of travellers, including mental health support, stress management, and maintaining work-life balance while travelling. * Provide access to resources like employee assistance programmes (EAPs) or assistance services during travel. At the Travel Risk Academy, we offer a multitude of resources and good practices to help guide you on your journey to protecting your travellers effectively.  We align with the practices set out in ISO31030 and work with a myriad of experts across the widest scope of TRM.  Find out more about our services here; membership has additional benefits, and we look forward to welcoming you to our diverse community soon.