People
Dedicated, field representatives and medical first responder & incident manager on each course, supported by qualified drivers trained to operate multi-passenger, convoy, and/or off-road vehicles.
Safety first always
Field course safety
Keeping participants safe while delivering exceptional training
Risk management is central to every field class we run. Field courses add a layer of complexity and risk due to the outdoor environment and bring a number of challenges and risks that need to be managed whilst operating outdoors and in remote locations, including:
- Extreme environmental conditions and unpredictable weather
- Hikes and walks, on and off trails, to field localities
- Hazardous flora and fauna endemic to the course area
- Transport on highways, dirt roads, and off road
- Remoteness to healthcare facilities
- Environmental reactions and allergies
- Coordinating emergency response
People, process, purpose
By focusing on people, processes, and purpose, we combine exceptional learning practices while setting the standard in the industry for field-based risk management.
Process
Course-specific safety assessments, specific field equipment, satellite tracking for rescue, mapping and communication. Full logistical support from from accommodation to emergency response.
Purpose
Continual course review and revision for improvement, including ongoing research on trends and outdoor practices.
Physical demands
Safety is our priority. All field courses have been assessed to provide a guide on the level of physical demand. Please ensure that your physical fitness matches the demands of the course.
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LOW - Basic fitness required
- Weather - Temperate
- Walking/Hiking - <2kms
- Elevation Gains - <150m Altitude - <1000m
- Driving to locations - Short and on maintained roads
- Emergency services - Readily available
- Immersion in water - No
-
MODERATE - Good general fitness required
- Weather - Hot & dry or cold & wet
- Walking/Hiking - <5kms
- Elevation Gains - <400m Altitude - <2000m
- Driving to locations - Moderate distances that may involve driving on designated tracks
- Emergency services - Available but may require extended response times
- Immersion in water - Not planned but the potential exists; confidence near water is required
-
HIGH - Good to high fitness required
- Weather - Potential for extremes of weather
- Walking/Hiking - >5kms
- Elevation Gains - >400m Altitude - >2000m
- Driving to locations - May involve long distances and be off-road or on trails
- Emergency services - Due to remote locations, emergency services response could be delayed
- Immersion in water - Possible and good swimming level required
Personal field equipment
A successful and safe field course requires participants to bring suitable footwear, clothing and equipment.
Required footwear
- Hiking boots or hiking shoes with good grip, support, and protection.
- Certain classes may require a secondary type of footwear, of which you will be made aware in advance.
- Failure to have suitable footwear may result in being excluded from certain field localities.
- Merino wool socks are advisable for their moisture wicking properties and will aid in the prevention of blisters.
Recommended clothing
- Range of clothing for all weather conditions
- Waterproofs/rain gear
- Sun protection (e.g., wide-brimmed hat, bandana, buff/snood)
- Sunglasses with 100% UV protection
Other field equipment
- Water bottle/hydration pack (minimum 1 litre/32 fluid oz capacity)
- Backpack (daypack)
- Personal medications and first aid kit, including blister care
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Specialised equipment may be required on certain courses
- Some participants have found walking poles beneficial
- A camera, binoculars, and compass-clino can be useful
NOLS risk management review
We have invested in the quality of its risk management practices through a risk management review conducted by NOLS Risk Services in 2019. NOLS is an organisation with 55 years of experience managing risk in remote environments around the globe. While NOLS doesn’t endorse or certify our practices, we are further enhancing our risk management strategy as a result of this review. We have invested time and resources in our risk management systems because the health and well-being of our participants and staff is of the highest priority.
