As Tripp Harris, a senior manager in Systems Integration & Technology from Charlotte, North Carolina floated in a rubber life raft in the middle of the Hudson River following the crash landing of US Airways Flight 1549 on January 15, Accenture’s US Emergency Management Team had already gone into action making sure he would have everything he needed once ashore.

As a matter of practice, Global Asset Protection through the Accenture Security Operations Center and its partner IJET 24 constantly monitors world wide events and conditions for crisis events occurring globally. Wayne Busch, senior executive-Consulting, who had been with Tripp at an earlier meeting, contacted the Accenture Security Operations Center hotline at Tripp’s request to report his status.

Global Asset Protection then convened the US Emergency Management Team, which is comprised of representatives from HR, Travel, Facilities & Services, Legal, CIO Organization and Marketing & Communications. The team typically convenes within 15 minutes of learning of an occurrence. In this case, they jumped into action to help Tripp and his family, Fremaux said.

Mary Birks, director-US HR Operations and Programs, kept in contact with Tripp’s wife and fellow Accenture employee Michelle, booking her on a flight from her home in Charlotte, North Carolina to reunite with her husband in New York City that evening.

“Mary truly was a virtual shoulder to cry on,” Michelle said. “I was just a wreck, but Mary was very calming and made sure I had everything I needed.”

Extraordinary circumstances—and response

Shortly after Tripp was ferried to safety, Tripp called Michelle and Cyndy Fremaux, US Protective Services lead, from a fireman’s phone to let them know he was okay.

“I explained to Tripp that everything possible was being done for him,” Cyndy said. “I let him know that Wayne would be picking him up and taking him to a hotel where there would be new clothes, food, toiletries and two new chargers for his cell phone.”

Meanwhile, Mary had asked Michelle for Tripp’s clothing size and helped Michelle think through what she needed to focus on.

“I was just trying to be a calm voice for Michelle,” Mary said. “The best moment was when I heard they were on their way back home to see their son.”

Cyndy and Mary praised the efforts of Fran Toreno, New York office Facilities & Services lead, who had dispatched people to purchase and deliver the items Tripp needed.

“I didn’t have much time before I jumped in the car service and headed to the airport to meet my wife,” Tripp says. “Seeing her come down the stairs to baggage claim was about the greatest thing in the whole world.”

By the following afternoon, Tripp was back home with his family in Charlotte.

“Beyond my expectations”

Cyndy and Mary noted that the US Emergency Management Team does scenario planning for events such as hurricanes and other natural disasters that can place employees in perilous or inconvenient situations. They said a crash landing in the Hudson River is certainly out of the ordinary, as was the response from the individuals involved.

“I learned that Accenture is an unbelievable company when it comes to taking care of its people,” Cyndy said. “It was rewarding to see how many people got together so quickly to get everything done.”

Tripp described the support from Accenture as “beyond my expectations” and “well coordinated,” adding thanks to Dan Gietl, senior executive-Systems Integration & Technology, for having food (and more) waiting for him back at the hotel.

And that support continues, as Tripp and Michelle were referred to the Employee Assistance Program for any longer term needs, including counseling, which they say has been beneficial.

Tripp’s story of survival will surely remain with him for the rest of his life as will the appreciation for the help he received when he needed it most.

“I can’t thank everyone enough for all the support, e-mails, text messages, and voicemails I’ve received,” he said. “This event has made me extremely proud to be an Accenture employee and has made me realize how blessed I am to have such a great network of colleagues and friends to lean on.”