Safety

Bushmasters trips, by their nature, involve an element of risk. You are in a very different, remote environment, and taking part in difficult and strenuous activities. This is why you came surely! There are risks to such ventures, though the chances of being bitten by a snake or attacked by a jaguar are almost nil. The more likely risks are the likes of heat injuries and self-inflicted cuts.

We employ a detailed system of safety measures from the ability to give first aid from a well-stocked medical kit on the spot, and evacuation systems involving every potential method from stretchers to boats to aircraft. We are, however in remote places and they do not have all the search and rescue capability of the developed world.
We also employ the latest technology in communications, using satellite and HF radio communications, satellite tracking systems as well as a variety of means of identifying ourselves to rescue aircraft and teams.

When taking part in risky activities, the latest safety kit, from ropes, harnesses, lifejackets and helmets are used. All this equipment is inspected regularly and is fully up to date with the latest safety guidelines dictated by the UK lead body organization for such activities. The UK is the national standards system we follow.

Bushmasters conducts detailed risk assessments on all activities undertaken. The concept behind a risk assessment is to identify potential risks, grade the likelihood and severity of an incident, and identify the actions we therefore take to mitigate that risk and also what procedures we put in place in case of such an incident. These are constantly being reviewed. Additionally it may be that certain activities are high risk, so we need to put in place safety procedures to lower their risk score. If not possible, we may not be able to conduct that activity. That is why we do not do underwater knife fighting. We do underwater spear gun shooting though!

COVID-19: 27 June 2020: Currently all our trips are suspended. The various tribes and people with whom we work are in self lockdown.  The return of international air travel without undue restrictions (such as 2 week quarantine periods), will be the point at which we can resume trips. This is still a few months away at least. Once this happens there will be new risk assessments conducted and invariably additional safety measures implemented to make the trips as safe as possible. As we work in remote, tribal areas our most important consideration is the safety of the people, not just the clients but the communities where our trips take place. The World does not have a great record when it comes to bringing disease to these remote places. International travel rules will undoubtedly be in place to ensure travel is as safe as possible and we will look at additional measures before moving onto the communities where we base our trips. This may require a compulsory COVID test for all persons (if not required for the flight already). As with any virus, if there is no single carrier it can not spread.

Hygiene will of course still be critical. All the measures the world is now taking have been standard in the tropical environments for decades. The warm, humid environment of the tropics means everything grows very well, including disease and infection. Sanitation of equipment, personal cleanliness, cleaning clothes, washing hands (a lot)  has been a standard practice for years and will continue.

As things become more clear we will post more updates.