Emergency Procedures for Student Tours

The safety of international students during tours is a top priority. EWE Tours has clear and effective emergency procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff participating in our international tours.

Our full policy can be found here but the major points are below.

By adhering to these emergency procedures, we can ensure that students are prepared to handle emergencies effectively and safely. It is crucial for all participants to remain informed and vigilant throughout the tour, and to prioritize safety above all else.

Emergency Contact Information

All students, staff and parents will have the contact numbers for:

• primary emergency contact person
• local emergency services (police, fire, medical)
• embassy in the host country

Medical Emergencies

Immediately assess the situation and provide first aid if qualified.
Contact local medical services for assistance.

Inform the program coordinator and the nearest embassy/consulate.

Keep a record of the incident, including treatment provided and hospital details.

Natural Disasters

Stay informed about local weather conditions and alerts.

Follow safety protocols for specific disasters (earthquakes, floods, tornadoes).

Assemble students at a predetermined safe location.

Conduct a roll call to ensure all participants are accounted for.

Communicate with local authorities and follow their guidance.

Security Threats

In case of a security threat (e.g., terrorist act, civil unrest):

Find a safe place immediately.

Contact local law enforcement and the program coordinator.

Avoid using vehicles unless essential, to prevent exposure to danger.

Keep students calm and informed about steps to take until the situation is resolved.

Lost or Missing Participants

Conduct a thorough search of the immediate area.

Use a buddy system to ensure that participants remain in groups.

Contact local authorities if a participant remains missing after a reasonable search.

Inform the program coordinator and contact the participant’s emergency contact.

Communication Plan

Maintain open lines of communication with students, staff and parents during an emergency.

Use group messaging apps or services to communicate important updates efficiently.

Ensure that all students have access to communication devices and know how to report emergencies.

Pre-Tour Preparedness

Conduct a pre-tour briefing to inform students about potential risks and emergency procedures.

Distribute a comprehensive emergency contact list and a copy of this policy to all participants.

Provide training for all staff members on emergency response procedures.

Post-Emergency Review

After any emergency incident, conduct a debriefing session to evaluate the response.

Discuss what worked well and identify areas for improvement.

Update the emergency procedures as necessary based on these evaluations.