International SOS is gearing up its emergency response planning to complement Beijing's medical and security preparations for the upcoming Olympic Games.

With its alarm center and clinic in Beijing operating at full capacity, International SOS will provide 24-hour medical and security assistance to its members, foreign visitors, officials, sponsors and athletes throughout the Games.

Arnaud Vaissi, president and CEO of International SOS, said that its teams in China are composed of "specialists with medical, logistics and aviation capabilities who are familiar with local conditions and know how to respond fast and effectively when an emergency happens".

International SOS has set up a dedicated Olympic desk with a 24-hour hotline at its alarm center in Beijing, where multilingual staff can provide information and assistance during the Games.

(China Daily July 19, 2008)