8. Contingency Planning

Any expedition visiting remote locations on community development projects should make detailed contingency plans before departure. This is intended as general guidance and does not attempt to examine areas of concern in particular countries. Further guidance can be obtained from the International Office.

Generally there are 3 areas of concern:

1. Injury/illness of team members

2. International crisis

3. Civil unrest

 These notes and the following checklists provide general advice, but each crisis, problem or accident will have its own unique features. It will be important to have made proper preparations, including where appropriate, risk assessments, to access all available information at the time and then to take the most appropriate action.

High Commissions/ Embassies

All expeditions should notify the British Embassy/ British High Commission of their intentions at an early stage. Past experience has shown our overseas missions to be most supportive. Upon arrival, make personal contact with the Embassy/High Commission as this enables leaders to gain up to the minute knowledge of the current situation regarding security and medical facilities. Personal contacts are particularly valuable as telephone conversations may be guarded in diplomatic terms.

Foreign Embassies in the UK are also helpful though they may have to consult with their home ministries and delays frequently occur. It should also be remembered that Embassies exist to promote national interest and image.

The Media

Great care should be taken when making interviews with the press. In the highly charged political environment that exists in many developing countries, simple comment may be regarded as direct criticism of government.

Medical Emergencies

Initial arrangements

• All participants should be fully insured - the policy must include an
  emergency repatriation service.
• Obtain current advice regarding medical risks and local hospitals
  e.g. through MASTA (Medical Advisory Service for Travellers Abroad).
• Check whether a flying doctor service is available
• Obtain details of allergies and blood groups of party members.
• Before departure, all party members should have a dental check up.
• All members should have appropriate immunizations and where necessary take anti-malarial pills.
• All members should receive first aid training.
• Expeditions should carry a SAFA bag (this contains transfusion fluids &
  apparatus, needles, syringes, and basic medication).
• Carry medication to deal with common illnesses.
• Prior to departure all members should be advised of medical precautions. This message should be reinforced whilst overseas.
• Mosquito nets should be used where appropriate.
• Whilst engaged in hazardous activities or engaged in building works, proper safety precautions should be taken - ensure full training before departure.
• Purchase of food and food preparation should be supervised.

Injury/illness of team members

The safety of members of the party must be the prime concern of all expedition leaders. In view of the remote location of many projects and the lack of acceptable medical facilities in many developing countries all party members must receive training to help them cope with medical emergencies.

When a patient is suffering from a severe condition, immediate evacuation should be arranged to a major hospital. Always err on the side of caution as travel times may be long and the patient's condition may worsen en route.
Notification of major incidents/illnesses should be made to:

• The British High Commission/Embassy
• Your "get you home" service
• Your UK Home Contact

It's important that the rest of the party is regularly updated about the condition of the patient.

International Crisis

It's important that before embarking on an expedition proper advice is sought on questions such as political and economic stability. Advice can be obtained from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, specialist agencies already working in the country and the International Office.

Most international problems are likely to occur around national borders. If you are planning to work in border areas, check relationships with neighbouring countries. In some countries problems may arise from border incursions or from gangs of poachers/robbers who use the border for protection. If you have to cross national borders during the course of your visit, check the possibility of closure of crossings and the "normal' delays for clearances.

If international problems arise during your visit, immediately contact the UK High Commission/Embassy for advice.

Civil disturbances

Civil disorder is possible in all countries and, once again, up-to-date advice should be sought regarding the country you are to visit. Such problems are most likely to occur in the centres of population. In the event of such problems avoid troubled areas.