International News
CHRISTCHURCH EARTHQUAKE UPDATE
Published editor Tue, 22/02/2011 - 15:05Strong aftershocks are continuing to shake Christchurch after a 6.3 magnitude quake hit the city this afternoon.
The city has now been put into a five day State of Emergency after the quake hit Christchurch City CBD lunchtime today.
Christchurch Airport has two runways operational but only for medical evacuations and medical assistance and for the Prime Minister. They will advise when they are open again for commercial flights.
For our International Clients, First Assistance is located in Auckland and is not impacted by the earthquake.
ITIC 2010 Saigon Conference Review
Published editor Thu, 26/08/2010 - 09:39ITIC 2010 Saigon Conference Review
Kirsty Bell (International Operations Manager, First Assistance), Craig Morrison (CEO, Southern Cross Travel Insurance) and Paul Smith (National Manager, Careflight International Air Ambulance) discuss the Outbound Australian and New Zealand Travel Insurance Markets
18000 kilometer commute to deliver a better service
Published editor Mon, 31/05/2010 - 08:51First Assistance (NZ) and Global Response (UK) have joined together to further strengthen their partnership by each exchanging a lucky staff member for three months. These two assistance companies work side by side from over 18000 kilometers away; when the sun sets in Cardiff Wales, operations are transferred to Auckland, New Zealand.
Samoa - After the Tsunami
Published superuser Wed, 30/09/2009 - 15:57Samoa
Reviewed: 8 October 2009, 18:30 NZDT
Still current at: 30 October 2009
There is some risk to your safety in parts of Samoa and we advise caution due to the recent devastating tsunami.
A magnitude 8.3 earthquake struck Samoa on 30 September. A tsunami generated by the earthquake resulted in a substantial number of deaths and injuries. Localised damage occurred mainly along the south coast of Upolu as a result of the earthquake and tsunami.
The Samoan Government advises that all affected roads have been cleared.
Avian Flu
Published superuser Wed, 30/09/2009 - 15:57Avian influenza
Definitions
Avian influenza, or "bird 'flu": a contagious disease caused by viruses that normally infect only birds. It has occasionally infected humans who have had close contact with poultry or wild birds. There is currently no evidence of sustainable transmission of avian influenza from person to person.
There is concern that the current H5N1 strain of avian influenza may mutate into pandemic influenza.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has a six-phase alert system to respond to pandemics.
Swine Flu
Published superuser Wed, 30/09/2009 - 15:57Travel Health Notice: Pandemic (H1N1) 2009
Global Situation
On 11 June 2009, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared an Influenza Pandemic. It raised its Influenza Pandemic Alert from Phase 5 to Phase 6, its highest level, which means there is global spread of the 'Swine Flu' or Pandemic Influenza virus.
