Safety Design

The physical safety of our students is of paramount importance to Phoenix Outdoor. Our experienced outdoor professionals are certified in backcountry medicine, trained in risk management, and have significant experience in wilderness leadership. They operate under strict medical and safety protocols designed to eliminate risk and to create a safe outdoor experience. An appropriate staff to student ratio is maintained, with at least one instructor for every three students in the field. Single gender groups are also maintained to reduce risk of potentially inappropriate behavior.

Phoenix Outdoor takes a proactive stance to ensure students are not tempted to leave the program prematurely. During the day, Field Instructors are always within visual site of each student and within voice distance at night. During a wilderness trek, students surrender boots at night and while at base, students sleep in the Lodge which is monitored and alarmed. Our key to ensuring that students are not tempted to run away is fostering positive relationships with instructors and building trust. Field Instructors are also on the alert for any threats of self-harm in order to proactively address the situation.

Each group is equipped with redundant communications equipment to stay in close contact with base camp. GPS units verify coordinates of group locations, satellite phones ensure twice daily communication with base camp, pagers allow immediate text messaging and radios provide communication between groups.

Wilderness hazards are anticipated in advance and Field Instructors are trained to deal with all contingencies such as inclement weather, wildlife and medical emergencies. Medical and emergency supplies are always on hand and students can be reached quickly by outside resources if an emergency happens that is beyond the capabilities of the Field Instructors.