Hi Can anyone give me any pointers for a client that send their employees off on activities looking after elderly patients / 'clients' or those that need special assistants care. The carer's go on holiday with the 'clients' and need some guidance on risk assessments. Andrew

when I'm taking trips away I look at: 1. The team - the condition and fitness including the carers, behaviours (will they follow the rules you set?), etc 2. The environment - Mountains/sea/desert/jungle Altitude sickness/drowning/heat problems Climate and weather conditions Heat and cold-related injury/death Wildlife (including insects) Attack/poisoning through bites/stings/disease 3. Health - Endemic disease (dengue fever/ Japanese encephalitis) Malaria ,AIDS/HIV Polluted water Contaminated food 4. Local Population - Political climate Political instability/coup/kidnapping/ imprisonment (e.g. UK plane spotters in Greece!) Attitudes to foreigners/cultural differences Attack/rape/theft/access to drugs Hygiene/living conditions Disease 5. Activities - Trekking/climbing/mountaineering Altitude sickness/falls from height River crossing Serious injury/drowning Water-based activities diving/kayaking/sailing) Drowning/leptospirosis Underground activities (caving/cave-diving) Drowning/suffocation/starvation Equipment failure/inappropriate use Serious injury/death Games/sports activities Injury/incapacitation 6. Travel - getting there and getting around, accommodation access egress... It is worthy to not that if you have medications to take there are rules for the country you are visiting e.g. paramedics visiting Germany cannot carry morphine... Hope this helps. If you need more PM me...

Thank you all, I think there are some instances when they take the 'clients' on holiday and cruises so it could be lengthy!