Risk & Emergency Preparedness
We place a high premium on providing our clients with a safe journey. On the surface this may seem simple, however in remote areas of the world the task is more complicated and requires an integrated approach. The elements of Global PACT International, Inc.’s Risk Management Plan are outlined below. If you would like a more detailed description of our plans, please feel free to call our office.
A. Client Screening
a. Trip itinerary and pre-departure materials - We endeavor to provide prospective clients with an accurate representation of the trip through our day-to-day trip itineraries. These itineraries detail virtually every aspect of the trip and allow the client to make an informed decision as to whether or not the trip best fits their likes, dislikes, and physical abilities.
Once a client has signed on a trip they are sent our pre-departure Enrollment Packet. This document details essential in-country travel conditions and information, including our recommendations on clothing and equipment; immunizations; travel insurance; entrance and visa requirements; emergency contact information.
b. Program Director – Our Program Directors (Professors) are directed to determine whether or not a trip member is suited to the trip they have selected. The Directors are involved in their trips from beginning to end. They create the trips, scout them, and personally handle client inquires and concerns.
c. Trip Questionnaire – We ask each client to fill out a pre-trip questionnaire, detailing travel history, likes, dislikes, physical limitations, etc…
d. Medical Questionnaire and Certificate – Global PACT’s medical screening procedures are a critical element in ensuring a safe journey for the client and the group. Since trips do not include a physician, it is very important that we ascertain whether or not a potential trip member is medically suited for the trip. This is accomplished by our client medical questionnaire (reviewed by our medical staff), which is certified by their physician. When a prospective client is accepted on our trip, we provide this confidential medical information to the trip leaders in case of medical emergency.
B. Program Safety Standards
Global PACT has developed and implemented a comprehensive field and office safety operations manual.
The components of the plan include:
1. General Safety Procedures
2. Selection, training and supervision of staff
3. Selection and supervision of trip members
4. Selection and supervision of trip itinerary
5. Selection and usage of service providers
6. Trip leader qualifications
7. Management of the trip
8. Emergency Procedures
9. Safety review practices
C. Medical Evacuation Expense Coverage
Global PACT International automatically provides medical evacuation, expense and transportation and assistance insurance for each of our travelers. In the unlikely event of a medical emergency in the field, we want each of our passengers to be guaranteed the best available medical care.
The coverage afforded each client is as follows:
1. 24 Hour Worldwide Medical Assistance Coverage by Board Certified Emergency Physicians
2. $1,000,000 (Each Event) Medical Evacuation and Transportation Coverage for Trip Member and Family Visitor (* A complicated medical evacuation can easily cost $50,000)
3. Basic Medical Travel Insurance
a. Medical Expenses ($10,000)
D. General Liability Coverage (U.S.A. & Overseas)
Global PACT maintains a $2 million dollar general liability policy.
E. Legal References
Release of Liability and Assumption of Risk – No release can protect a company from negligent behavior, however our attorneys have advised us that a properly worded release of liability and assumption of risk form can provide a measured degree of protection.
Global PACT’s release of liability and assumption of risk form is updated annually to incorporate emerging case law.
