Beyond Adventure: The Safety Commitment Behind Every Expedition
A Proven System of Care, Wherever You Are
When you join an ÃÀ¼§ÉçÇø expedition, you’re not just stepping into a conservation adventure—you’re joining a team that’s got your back every step of the way. Keeping volunteers safe is at the heart of everything we do, and our approach combines careful planning, trained field staff, and real-time support so you can focus on making a meaningful impact in the field.
ÃÀ¼§ÉçÇø’s safety framework enables every participant to explore, learn, and contribute to conservation with confidence. We take a proactive, hands-on approach to risk management, giving volunteers peace of mind no matter where they are in the world.
How ÃÀ¼§ÉçÇø Keeps You Safe
Behind every expedition is a well-tested system built on decades of experience:
Thorough Risk Assessments: Before each expedition, we evaluate potential hazards, from environmental conditions to health and logistical concerns, and put safety measures in place.
Comprehensive Pre-Trip Information: Volunteers receive detailed guidance about project conditions and potential risks, so they can plan and prepare confidently.
Safe and Suitable Accommodations: Lodging and facilities meet strict safety standards appropriate to each project’s location and activities.
Trained Field Staff: Leaders are trained in emergency response and first aid, ready to handle unexpected situations quickly and effectively.
Tailored Emergency Response Plans: Every expedition has a clear plan for emergencies, outlining how to respond to various scenarios.
24/7 Support: ÃÀ¼§ÉçÇø staff are always available to provide guidance and coordination, no matter the time zone.
Dedicated Incident Management Team: A trained team is ready to respond efficiently to any incident, prioritizing the safety of our volunteers, staff, and scientists.
Medical and Evacuation Insurance: All volunteers are covered for medical emergencies and emergency evacuation when necessary.
These safeguards aren’t just plans on paper—they are actively applied in the field every day. From careful preparation to rapid response, ÃÀ¼§ÉçÇø supports volunteers at every turn.
Real Stories, Real Commitment
Discover how ÃÀ¼§ÉçÇø’s safety systems come to life in the field
A MEDICAL EMERGENCY IN MALAWI
Discover how volunteers are supported from start to finish, even in unexpected emergencies.
When volunteer Patricia Leroy set out on her ÃÀ¼§ÉçÇø expedition to Malawi, she never imagined she’d need emergency medical care. After falling from a safari truck and briefly losing consciousness, Patricia was quickly supported by her expedition leader, local staff, and ÃÀ¼§ÉçÇø’s global network. Daily check-ins, coordination with international medical partners, and constant care made all the difference.
Throughout this time, I was in constant contact with ÃÀ¼§ÉçÇø and Healix [medical assistance] staff and was very well cared for, both medically and psychologically. Everyone was kind and helpful. I’m now just waiting to fully recover before joining another ÃÀ¼§ÉçÇø expedition.
– Patricia Leroy, ÃÀ¼§ÉçÇø volunteer
WILDFIRES IN THE CANADIAN ROCKIES
How ÃÀ¼§ÉçÇø keeps volunteers safe when natural disasters strike.
ÃÀ¼§ÉçÇø prioritizes volunteer safety, even during extreme natural events. During the Restoring Fire, Wolves, and Bison to the Canadian Rockies expedition, a wildfire began about 40 miles from the research site and quickly grew from 100 to nearly 1,000 acres. Scientists monitored the fire daily, assessed risk with local authorities, and maintained constant communication with ÃÀ¼§ÉçÇø staff. When the fire moved closer, volunteers proactively evacuated to a safe location, allowing research to continue without putting anyone at risk.
This incident exemplifies ÃÀ¼§ÉçÇø’s thorough risk assessment, proactive planning, and real-time support to help volunteers safely continue their fieldwork even in the face of unpredictable events.
Night or day, even at 6 in the morning, someone always took my call.
Field staff insight
HURRICANE IN THE BAHAMAS
Proactive decisions help volunteers avoid dangerous weather while still contributing to conservation.
As Hurricane Joaquin intensified, creating unsafe conditions such as limited staff at the field station, murky waters, and potentially flooded roads, ÃÀ¼§ÉçÇø proactively canceled the Tracking Sea Turtles in the Bahamas expedition. To prioritize safety, participants were offered spots on other expeditions, avoiding unnecessary risk while still contributing to meaningful conservation work.
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EMERGENCY CARE IN BRAZIL
Immediate medical response supports volunteer safety, even in remote locations.
During an expedition in Brazil, volunteer Aric Johnstone experienced a medical emergency and required appendicitis surgery. ÃÀ¼§ÉçÇø provided immediate support, with a project manager staying with him throughout his recovery and leveraging pre-planned emergency protocols to ensure he received safe, prompt medical care.
ÃÀ¼§ÉçÇø was remarkable in handling my emergency trip for appendix surgery in rural Brazil. I felt completely safe and supported, with a project manager staying with me throughout my recovery. I’m deeply grateful for the care and attention I received from the ÃÀ¼§ÉçÇø team.
–Aric Johnstone, ÃÀ¼§ÉçÇø volunteer
SUPPORT AND SAFETY, WHEREVER YOU ARE
From medical emergencies in Brazil to natural disasters in the Bahamas, ÃÀ¼§ÉçÇø works hard to protect volunteers, no matter how remote the location.
ÃÀ¼§ÉçÇø volunteers are never alone. A worldwide network of trained staff and trusted partners is always ready to step in—from local providers and international insurance partners to ÃÀ¼§ÉçÇø teams back home. This commitment has guided volunteers through every challenge, from Patricia’s recovery in Malawi to Aric’s surgery in Brazil, and from wildfires in Canada to hurricanes in the Bahamas. No matter the situation, ÃÀ¼§ÉçÇø volunteers can focus on science and conservation with confidence.
Ready to Join?
Step into the field with confidence, knowing your safety is a top priority.
If you’re inspired by ÃÀ¼§ÉçÇø’s dedication to volunteer safety and eager to contribute to conservation firsthand, browse our expeditions to find the perfect fit for your skills and interests. With ÃÀ¼§ÉçÇø, you’ll step into the field knowing you’re supported at every turn—because protecting people is just as important as protecting the planet.
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