Residents of Woss, a small village in northern Vancouver Island, recently experienced a terrifying situation that highlighted the critical need for reliable connectivity in remote communities. During a bomb cyclone that caused power, internet, and cellphone outages, a woman suffered a stroke and required urgent medical attention. However, the highway connecting Woss to other communities was closed due to the storm, and BC Emergency Health Services refused to send an ambulance until the road was cleared.

This left the Woss Volunteer Fire Department with no choice but to send three of their members in a pickup truck with chainsaws to clear the road and prove that it was safe for the ambulance to reach the patient. The delay lasted between one to two hours, during which time the community also lost electricity and all forms of communication.

Christopher Swiston, who works at the Woss General Store, expressed his concern about what would have happened if someone had a medical emergency while the cell service was out. He also pointed out that the general store, which doubles as the town’s only gas station, cannot operate without electricity, leaving residents stranded and unable to access basic necessities.

This situation is not unique to Woss. Many remote communities across Canada and around the world face similar challenges when it comes to connectivity and access to essential services. The consequences can be dire, as power outages and communication blackouts can mean the difference between life and death in emergency situations.

As insurance executives, it’s crucial to recognize the importance of reliable connectivity and its impact on the communities we serve. We must work together to develop innovative solutions that address the unique needs of remote communities and ensure that they have access to the same level of service as urban areas.

At Riskwolf, we believe that parametric insurance can play a vital role in providing coverage for remote communities during power outages and other emergencies. By using real-time data and dynamic risk modeling, we enable insurers to build and operate parametric insurance at scale, providing simple, reliable, and fast coverage when it’s needed most.

The recent events in Woss serve as a stark reminder of the critical need for reliable connectivity and access to essential services in remote communities. As insurance builders, we have a responsibility to develop innovative solutions that address these challenges and ensure that all communities have access to the protection they need. Let’s work together to make it happen.

Read the original article by Adam Chan on Chek News for more information.