Activities ranging from simple day hikes to climbing glaciers can, due to error in judgment or the unpredictable forces of nature, become dangerous and potentially life threatening. Our courses are isolated expeditions. The remoteness of the areas in which we travel can create complex emergency situations that have no simple solutions. It is not uncommon to be days from medical help. NOLS has comprehensive wilderness emergency response and evacuation procedures and is a leader in the use of appropriate field communication technology in remote wilderness locations.
Radios can be unreliable depending on terrain, atmospheric conditions and other variables.
Independent student travel groups may be separated from the radio for 24 hours or more. A more serious incident, such as a fracture, will require evacuation of the patient to a medical facility. It is important you understand that there are risks. Some adventure programs say that they can guarantee your safety. NOLS does not.