Hello everyone! The eco-tours we primarily offer take place in natural environments, which come with various potential risks. While we make every effort to ensure the safety of our participants and prevent accidents, it’s equally important to be prepared for any unexpected incidents.
In this post, we’ll introduce the safety measures Link Adventures implements to ensure a secure and enjoyable eco-tour experience.
Link Adventures’ Safety Measures
First Aid Training
Have you ever provided first aid to someone in need?
In Amami Oshima, there are reportedly about 4,000 emergency calls each year. Living on the island, it’s not uncommon to hear the sound of ambulance sirens almost daily. When someone is injured or ill, the ability to provide proper first aid until the ambulance arrives can make a critical difference.
On average, it takes about 9 minutes for an ambulance to arrive after a call is made. However, those 9 minutes are crucial for the patient’s outcome.
At Link Adventures, we regularly attend training sessions at the local fire department. These sessions cover a wide range of first aid procedures, from treating injuries to performing CPR, ensuring we are prepared to handle emergencies effectively.
Carrying a First Aid Kit
Let me introduce the first aid kit we always carry during our tours.
Since nature tours take place in the great outdoors, unexpected situations can arise at any time. To be prepared, we carry supplies designed to address potential injuries that might occur.
Here’s a detailed look at what we have packed in our kit to ensure your safety.
- Adhesive bandages
- Tourniquet
- Gauze
- Bandage
- Triangular bandage
- Safety pins
- Scissors
- Disposable gloves
- Alcohol cotton
- Wet wipes
- Cotton swabs
- Tweezers
- Tape
- Aluminum blanket
- Whistle
- Poison remover
Comparing Various Weather Forecasts
Checking the weather and disaster information before a tour is crucial. Since eco-tours are primarily conducted in natural settings, we carefully review conditions such as weather, wind speed, and tide levels, depending on the tour location.
During seasons with heavy rainfall, we stay particularly vigilant about the risk of landslides. For tours conducted in the forest, we monitor rainfall levels, exchange information with others, and prioritize safety in our decision-making to avoid any potential disasters. Your safety is always our top priority.
The Danger of Habu Vipers in Amami Oshima
The most dangerous creature in Amami Oshima is likely the habu viper. We always stay vigilant when entering the forest. To protect against the viper that might be hiding on the ground, we recommend wearing long pants and, in some cases, provide boots for our guests.
That said, there’s no need to be overly fearful. the vipers are primarily nocturnal, so as long as we choose the right time and season to explore the forest, encounters are rare.
Still, we carry a poison remover in our first aid kit, as mentioned earlier, to be prepared for the unlikely event of a snake bite. Your safety is always our priority!
Ensuring a Safe and Secure Tour
Injuries can happen during any tour. That’s why we thoroughly prepare by conducting site inspections, preparing the necessary gear, and carefully reviewing the information we share with our guests before each tour. We take every possible measure to minimize risks.
However, we understand that accidents or injuries can still occur, despite our best efforts. That’s why we maintain a high level of readiness, both in terms of preparation and fieldwork, to ensure the safety of all participants. Your safety is our utmost priority, and we are always prepared for the unexpected.