// Safety  
Whilst by definition 'adventure' involves some element of risk, the safety and welfare of everyone who travels with Adventureworks is our prime concern and we take the following steps to ensure that our safety systems are second to none.

Experienced and Qualified Leaders Our leaders are the most important link in assessing and managing risks on the ground. They regularly lead expeditions of young people and are carefully matched to your group, the destination and the activities to be undertaken. Risk assessments are carried out, monitered and reviewed for each phase of the expedition and for each activity to be undertaken. All our expedition leaders and Instructors are qualified in first aid... [more] In country Team Our in country team in Ecuador Our in-country agents play a crucial part in providing a safe and enjoyable expedition for our teams. From assisting us in the design of your programme, sourcing quality accommodation in the most appropriate parts of town, to last-minute changes and close links with local emergency services and health care centres. They are based in-country all year round and know the level of service that we expect. We have been working closely with some of our in-country agents for nearly 20 years. Wherever your group is travelling in the world, Adventureworks is assisted by the some of the most reputable in-country service providers in that area. Communications Our teams carry satellite telephones in areas where there is no coverage from domestic or mobile telephones. In addition, we also use Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB) in areas where satellite telephone communications are not 100% reliable. We have a 24-hour emergency and incident management system. Expedition leaders and teachers are therefore able to speak to our in-country agents and UK base in the case of an emergency. Travel and activity insurance Special travel and activity insurance cover for the duration of the expedition is included in the cost of the expedition. This comprehensive policy covers cancellation, repatriation to the UK, baggage and personal effects... [more] Global Response Global Response is one of the largest UK providers of medical assistance to British travellers worldwide. They have many years of experience in providing emergency assistance, medical advice, communication, consultation and repatriation. They are a vital link in the Adventureworks incident management system should someone fall ill or become injured during an expedition. Company Doctor Our company doctor, Dr David Hillebrandt, is an expert in remote area health care and gives confidential advice to individual students on our expeditions. He also provides additional training for our expedition leaders.

Acclimatisation All expedition itineraries that visit high-altitude are carefully designed to allow time for the body to acclimatise, through gradual ascent. For example, expeditions to climb Kilimanjaro attempt a nearby lower mountain, Mount Meru (4,556m), prior to Kilimanjaro. Not only does this climb provide essential acclimatisation, greatly increasing the likelihood of success on Kilimanjaro, but it also allows teams to begin working effectively together, before the main expedition objective. Adventureworks supports the work and advice offered by the Royal Geographical Society (RGS) and the Young Explorer's Trust (YET) in respect of acclimatisation. In addition, our expeditions contribute to important medical research into how adolescents and young adults acclimatise. This research is being carried out by Dr David Hillebrandt, Dr Chris Imray and Dr Kyle Pattinson who, in turn, will use their results to recommend best practice to schools and other school expedition providers.