APCO WorldwideAPCO Worldwide chief Brad Staples has launched APCO ER to provide a team of first PR responders, which it says stand poised for activation within 60 minutes of emergency situation notification.

Due to today's social media-driven world, Staples said clients need immediate crisis help before full-scale crisis engagement kicks in, which could be as matter of days.

APCO has built a team experienced with operating in severe weather conditions or other challenging scenarios such as chemical plant explosions, evacuations, plane crashes, oil spills and train derailments.

“When people and families have been evacuated, or displaced as a result of an incident or emergency, they should expect reliable, verifiable information, about how to get help, and when the situation will improve,” said Mike Hotra, global practice leader for APCO ER.

Prior to APCO, Hotra was American Tort Reform's legislation/communications director and American Legislative Exchange Council's civil justice task force chief.