Risk management plan and emergency response
About | Policy and standards | Risk management plan and emergency response
The goal of this risk management plan is to implement reasonable procedures to help reduce the risks associated with field activities to an acceptable level. Risk during a field trip or expedition can never be completely eliminated but it can be managed through a series of control measures.
Control measures by Tropical Herping leaders:
- The Tropical Herping staff will provide this risk assessment document to all event participants before the field activities begin.
- Tropical Herping will make it clear if insurance is included or excluded from the tour or expedition costs.
- All Tropical Herping group leaders are trained in first aid in remote areas. They are also aware of the location of the nearest hospitals and clinics to any field location.
- The group leader will ensure there is a first aid kit available at all times.
- The group leader will be entitled to adopt alternatives and/or completely abandon an activity if the risk assessment suggests that control measures cannot reduce the risk to an acceptable level.
- Before any field activity, the Tropical Herping staff will provide the group with verbal briefings explaining the risks of the activity and the control measures that must be put in place.
- Whenever possible, the group leader will have access to GPS, two-way-radio, and satellite phone.
Control measures for event participants:
- All event participants must provide evidence of having travel insurance in place before the start of any field activity with Tropical Herping.
- Group members will be required to observe and follow all oral instruction given by the Tropical Herping tour leader, or by the lodge or station's staff.
- Event participants are required to give advance notice about any dietary requirement they may have.
- Before any travel to the tropics, it is highly recommended that all event participants obtain immunisation against yellow fever, tetanus and hepatitis.
- All group members are encouraged to use repellent and appropriate clothing to cover up against mosquitoes. They should consult their physician if they wish to take medical precautions against malaria. The lodges will provide mosquito nets when needed.
- Participants of field activities should keep a safe working distance while observing or photographing animals. They should treat all wildlife, especially amphibians and reptiles, as though they were potentially harmful.
- All group members should have rubber boots and walk along designated trails.
Assessment of potential risks.
| Risk | Probability | Severity | Contingency action plan |
| Animal bites | Low | High | Direct contact with public and private health centers to provide immediate health services. |
| COVID-19 | Low | High | Direct contact with public and private health centers to provide immediate health services. |
| Noxious plants and substances | Low | Middle | Direct contact with public and private health centers to provide immediate health services. |
| Food-borne illness | Low | Middle | Direct contact with public and private health centers to provide immediate health services. |
| Injuries | Low | Middle | Direct contact with public and private health centers to provide immediate health services. Personnel will provide first aid attention. |
| Road interruptions | Low | Low | Take alternative routes. Follow protocols established by the local authorities. |
| Car damages | Low | High | Managed by the transport company hired to delivered the service. |
| Natural disaster | Low | High | Guides and personnel are trained on evacuation, first aid, and fire extinction. |
Emergency protocol
In the case of an incident or emergency situation, the Tropical Herping leader will put in place some or all of the following response measures:
- Immediate care of incidence.
- Evacuation to relevant medical care unit if needed.
- Revision of the trip's or expedition's logistics.
- Communication with interested parties at home and overseas.
- Communication with insurers and assistance agencies.
| Emergency contacts | Contact number |
| Jorge Castillo (TH) | +593 998144906 |
| Alejandro Arteaga (TH) | +593 984631435 |
| Lucas Bustamante (TH) | +593 998941197 |
| Integrated Security Service | 911 |
| COVID Emergency | 171 |
| Ecuadorian Red Cross | +593 2 2553292 |