Case Study: Efficient crisis management in Egypt: a coordinated response
This case study delves into a remarkable story of a swift and coordinated response to a tourist bus accident in Egypt. Through meticulous planning, communication with authorities, and unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of those affected, Egypt Assistance demonstrated exemplary crisis management.
In October, at around 10 p.m, an accident occurred involving a tourist bus carrying citizens from southeast Asia. We received the news from their insurance company and quickly initiated contact with the relevant authorities to gather information. We coordinated with the police in St Catherine, and St Catherine Hospital, to ascertain the facts of the accident, injuries, and potential fatalities. Unfortunately, one foreign national unrelated to our company was among the deceased.
Our next step was reaching out to the tourism company responsible for the group to obtain a preliminary list of tourists, including their names, nationalities, and dates of birth, if available. Subsequently, we maintained regular communication with the hospital through our medical assistance team to inquire about the status of the injured and obtain medical reports. Due to the severity of the accident and the high number of casualties, we expedited the issuance of medical reports by collaborating with our medical staff. We also liaised directly with emergency doctors at the hospital to determine treatment possibilities and the need for transfers to specialised facilities.
Transferring patients
Following extensive communication between our medical staff and our international assistance company, a decision was made to transfer all 26 tourists. Four were discharged after receiving necessary medical attention, while the remaining 22 were transported to Sharm El-Sheikh International Hospital, equipped with essential medical facilities like X-rays, CT scans, MRI machines, lab services, and specialised medical care. We also coordinated with ambulance services to ensure that each patient received the appropriate level of care during transport.
Through collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the hospital administration, the patients were efficiently received at Sharm El-Sheikh Hospital. A considerable number of emergency and specialised doctors were made available to address each patient’s needs based on their condition and priority. After approximately four hours at Sharm El-Sheikh Hospital, 12 patients were deemed stable and were discharged. Suitable transportation was arranged to take them back to their hotel in Sharm El-Sheikh.
Simultaneously, we contacted the police to recover the patients’ belongings and directed them to the respective hotels where the injured tourists and their families were staying. The medical team at St Catherine Hospital determined that 10 patients needed to be transferred to Cairo for surgeries not available in Sharm El-Sheikh. Two patients were transported via air ambulance, while the rest were accommodated in ambulances and a minibus for their families and transferred to AS-Salam International Hospital in Cairo.
The highest level of care
We ensured the highest level of care during transportation, with ALS ambulances and medical personnel accompanying the patients. Proper permits were obtained for both patients and medical staff for smooth entry into the airport. After flying to Cairo, they arrived successively at the hospital in the evening.
Our team secured accommodation for an overnight stay and directed the relatives of some patients to the nearest hotel for easy access to their loved ones. Ground ambulances continued to arrive at the hospital, with each case assessed in the emergency department to determine the necessary interventions, including surgical procedures.
Medical permits were obtained in Sharm El-Sheikh to facilitate the injured travellers’ departure from the airport the following day. In Cairo, our medical team maintained continuous contact with the hospital staff to monitor patient progress.
A day later, seven patients were discharged to their relatives’ hotel. Two days after that, one more patient was discharged. Four patients remained in the hospital for an additional seven days, after which the consulate contacted us to arrange the return of all injured tourists and their families to their home country.
Many expressions of gratitude were received for managing such a crisis, from the initial accident to the safe return of injured tourists to their home countries. Thanks to the dedicated efforts and support of our global and local network, we were able to deliver high-quality assistance to international patients and their family members.