On-Tour Emergency Procedures

• Assess the situation: Immediately evaluate the nature and severity of the emergency (e.g., injury, environmental hazard, or lost participant).
• Action: Ensure the safety of the group by moving them to a secure location if possible (away from traffic, unstable terrain, or fire hazards).
• Communication: Use a mobile phone to alert emergency services or the tour operator. There are three people you can contact — Ravit, Mark or Blair.
• First response: Administer first aid if trained, or designate a trained participant/staff member to assist.
• Contain the incident: Prevent escalation (e.g., stop group movement in a bushfire scenario).

Designate roles

• Lead Guide: Coordinates response, communicates with emergency services, and manages the group. Assists with first aid or logistics.
• Ensure participants follow guide instructions.

Follow protocols

• Contact local emergency services (111 in New Zealand).
• Notify the tour operator's emergency contact (provided in the guide's emergency kit).
• Once everything is under control and safe, document the incident (time, location, nature, actions taken) using the Incident Report Form.

• If a participant is injured or trapped, stabilise the individual (apply first aid, keep warm) and await professional rescue unless immediate action is safe and necessary.
• Use location details to guide rescue teams.

• Urban areas: Follow local authority instructions (e.g., police or fire services) to designated evacuation points (town halls, stadiums).
• Remote areas (e.g. Rotorua geothermal sites): Follow pre-identified evacuation routes provided in the tour itinerary or guide's map.
• Transport: If evacuation requires vehicles, use pre-arranged tour buses or coordinate with local authorities for transport.
• Headcount: Conduct a roll call before and after evacuation to ensure all participants are accounted for.