On Call in Action: Stranded in Ecuador During Protests

On Call International helps organizations and their travelers take a proactive and holistic approach to not only managing emergencies when they arise—but also planning for and even preventing them before they happen.  Here’s just one example of how On Call International helps travelers, every day:

Stranded in Ecuador During Protests     

A traveler who was on an assignment with her faith-based group in Ecuador was on her way to their worksite when a series of protests broke out in the capital city of Quito. She returned to where she was staying and watched the local news for updates. The protests resulted in various road blockades, looting, and violent clashes with law enforcement. The situation on the ground began deteriorating, so she reached out to the group leader who then contacted On Call International for assistance.

On Call Steps In

The traveler and group leader explained their concerns to On Call’s Global Security team, and asked for guidance as to whether it was safe to stay in the country. On Call’s security team, who had been actively monitoring the situation, determined that an evacuation would not be possible due to the roadblocks, and that they would need to stay in Ecuador until the protests calmed down. Additionally, the U.S. Embassy in Quito advised all travelers to shelter in place and avoid any travel.  On Call confirmed with the traveler and the group leader that they were in a secure facility with all necessary supplies. On Call also continued to monitor the developing protests, and checked in with the group daily to confirm their safety. Eventually, the situation pacified, and it was safe for the group to return to the United States.

A Safe Return

On Call’s Transportation Team arranged the soonest available flights for the group to return home early from their assignment. On Call’s Security Team kept the group aware of any threats they might encounter on their way to the airport, and shared tactics to mitigate those threats. The group arrived safely to the airport, and had a successful journey back to the United States.

Want to learn more about On Call’s proactive and holistic travel risk management solutions? Contact us today.