Safety is of paramount importance on all of our programmes. All of our staff are qualified in the appropriate NGB level and have many years of experience working in the industry.
Leader Team Qualifications Matrix
Insurance Policy 2007-8
Expedition Safety Download
BS 8848 Compliance Document
Adventure Lifesigns operates a 24-hour satellite supported operations team whilst expedition programmes are overseas. The operations team are primarily there to give advice, liaise with external agencies such as the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, to react to emergencies and to work with insurance companies. The operations team are supported by:
Blood Care Foundation
The Blood Care Foundation (BCF) is a charitable, not for profit organisation, registered in the United Kingdom. The Foundation operates a Blood Care Programme, which is designed to provide screened blood, in an emergency, to its members in any part of the world.
The Programme is designed to alleviate the shortages of blood, which occur in many parts of the developing world. These shortages have numerous causes. Amongst the most important are cultural taboos, financial constraints and a high incidence of transfusion transmitted diseases in the donor pool. Examples of such diseases are HIV, Hepatitis B and C and Malaria.
Adventure Lifesigns are a corporate member of the BCF, with all overseas expedition teams having access to the service. Please visit www.bloodcare.org for further details.
Yellow Brick Tracking
The Yellowbrick Adventure Tracker is a well-proven, self-contained, fully-automatic satellite tracking device. It will accurately report its position from anywhere on Earth, including polar, ocean and desert regions. It is lightweight, waterproof and built to withstand extreme environments. Adventure Lifesigns were the first UK expedition company to use satellite tracking on their expeditions.
Medical Indemnity Register
Adventure Lifesigns are a member of the Medical Indemnity Register. The Medical Indemnity Register (MIR) is an independent body founded in 1990. The MIR is medically orientated and works with individuals, companies, insurance brokers and intermediaries etc. and are conversant with both medical and insurance matters.
Expedition Care Program
All Adventure Lifesigns staff attends at least one ECP Remote Medicine Course prior to departure, with many also attending the advanced ECP Medic Course. A comprehensive trauma pack is carried by all overseas teams.
Remote Medical Support
Remote Medical Support is a fully licensed medical group dedicated to offering medical support and advice for members based in remote environments all over the world.
Adventure Lifesigns are a corporate member and has access to a 24 hour telephone helpline with a team of hand picked remote medical specialists. The service is available 24 hours a day.
Young Explorers Trust (YET) & the Expedition Providers Association (EPA)
Since 1972 the YET has been a registered charity seeking to promote safe and responsible expeditions. By so doing it aims to give young people the opportunity to take part in exploration, discovery and challenging adventure to help foster the qualities of service, self-sufficiency and leadership.
It's most important function is to give advice and support to youth expeditions. It aims to help schools and youth organizations to run their own expeditions in a safe and responsible manner.
Adventure Lifesigns Limited supports the aims of the YET and is an active member of the YET Forum.
Adventure Lifesigns are also a founding member of the Expedition Providers Association. EPA's aims are to promote good practice within the expedition industry and to act as a forum for discussion on current issues.
Iridium Satellite Telephone Systems
The Iridium satellite constellation is a system of 66 active communication satellites. It allows worldwide voice and data communications using handheld satellite phones. The Iridium network is unique in that it covers the whole earth, including poles, oceans and airways. Adventure Lifesigns use satellite telephones on all of their overseas expeditions as standard.
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)
EPIRBs are battery powered radio transmitters designed to send an automatic distress signal. These EPIRBs relay their messages to ground stations via the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite network. The distress messages are then passed on the nearest Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) to come to the aid of the expedition. Most EPIRBs also include a flashing strobe light and a second low-power radio transmitter to assist in the final location of the group by the Search and Rescue (SAR) forces. For more information on how the system works, take a look at the COSPAS-SARSAT website www.cospas-sarsat.org