Safety &
Wellbeing

Fire Assembly Point

Main compound parking area (front yard).

3.2 — Fire & Evacuation

Exit immediately via the nearest safe exit. Leave belongings behind. Avoid lifts. Do not re-enter the building. Proceed to the fire assembly point, alert staff, and contact your coordinator to confirm you're safe.

3.3 — Medical Emergency

Call 999/112. Contact your coordinator. Do not leave a colleague alone. Provide first aid only if trained. Notify the hospital if the emergency is placement-related.

3.4 — Clinical Exposure

1. Wash the affected area with soap and water (do not scrub). 2. Flush eyes/mouth with water for 10+ minutes. 3. Inform your supervising clinician. 4. Contact your programme coordinator. 5. Seek urgent medical evaluation. 6. Document the incident.

Post-exposure treatment is time-sensitive. Seek medical evaluation within 1–2 hours.

3.5 — Patient Aggression

Remove yourself calmly. Alert a senior clinician or security. Contact your coordinator. Call police if the threat continues. Do not return unaccompanied.

4.1 — General Personal Safety

Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Avoid isolated or poorly lit areas after dark. Travel in groups. Keep valuables hidden and avoid displaying expensive items. Don't share financial information. Trust your instincts — if something feels wrong, leave and contact your coordinator.

4.2 — Moving Around

Share your travel plans with your coordinator or a fellow participant. Use only recommended transport. Inform your coordinator of any changes or late returns. Carry a charged phone, and save emergency contacts and a location-sharing app.

4.3 — Accommodation Safety

Always lock doors and windows. Never share keys or codes. Don't invite strangers in. Report maintenance issues immediately. Store your passport securely, with backup photos. Inform staff of late returns.

4.4 — Avoiding Harassment

Remove yourself and contact your coordinator. All incidents are handled confidentially. You are never expected to tolerate uncomfortable or threatening behaviour. Mental health support is available anytime.

5.1 — Before Travel

Update vaccinations 6–8 weeks before departure. Obtain comprehensive travel insurance including medical evacuation. Pack prescription medications for the full duration plus two weeks, and carry your prescriptions and a doctor's letter. Familiarize yourself with your insurer's emergency process.

5.2 — Malaria Prevention

Take your anti-malarial medication without skipping doses. Use a DEET-containing repellent on exposed skin, especially at dusk and dawn. Sleep under a treated mosquito net. Wear long sleeves and trousers in the evenings. Report fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms immediately.

Malaria symptoms can appear up to 12 months after travel.

5.3 — Food & Water Safety

Drink only bottled or treated water. Avoid tap water and ice of uncertain origin. Eat at recommended outlets and avoid street food. Wash hands before eating. Stay hydrated.

5.4 — Sun & Heat

Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen every two hours. Wear a hat and light clothing during peak sun (10am–3pm). Drink 2–3 litres of water daily. Rest in shade and watch for signs of heat exhaustion.

5.5 — Mental Health & Wellbeing

Clinical placements can be emotionally demanding — this is normal. Talk to others if you're struggling, rest adequately, and set boundaries. Contact your coordinator immediately if you feel unsafe or overwhelmed. Counselling is available on request.

6.1 — Approved Transport

Confirm the driver's name and vehicle registration. Use only pre-booked providers — avoid unofficial taxis and strangers. Share your transport details with a fellow participant. Wear a seatbelt, and travel in groups after dark.

6.2 — Approved Providers

Bernard (primary provider): (+254) 795 108670. Uber / Bolt (app-based booking): pre-approved.

6.3 — Emergency While Travelling

Call 999/112 if in danger. Contact your coordinator and share your live location. Don't leave the vehicle in an unsafe area — wait for help.

7.1 — Supervision & Scope

You must work under the direct or indirect supervision of a qualified clinician at all times. Never perform unsupervised procedures. Decline tasks outside your competence. Observe local protocols. Never prescribe or administer independently.

7.2 — Infection Control

Follow local infection prevention protocols. Wear appropriate PPE. Perform hand hygiene before and after patient contact. Dispose of waste properly. Report any breaches.

7.3 — Patient Confidentiality

All patient information is strictly confidential. Don't record or photograph without written consent. Maintain respectful, professional conduct, and be sensitive to cultural differences.

7.4 — Identification & Access

Wear your Elective Africa ID visibly. Don't access restricted areas without authorization. Follow facility security procedures.

If you are unsure whether an action is within your scope or appropriate, the answer is to stop and ask your supervisor.

8.1 — Cultural Respect

Dress professionally and conservatively per local norms. Research customs before arrival. Ask permission before taking photos. Avoid public displays of affection. Learning a few local language phrases goes a long way.

8.2 — Professional Boundaries

Maintain clear boundaries with patients and community members. Don't make financial promises or gifts. Don't share personal contact details. Avoid compromising situations.

8.3 — Social Media

Don't post identifiable patient, clinical, or sensitive community images. Represent the organization professionally.

If in doubt about whether something is appropriate to share, do not post — ask your coordinator first.

9.1 — What to Report

Any safety incident, near-miss, or emergency. Illness, injury, or mental health concerns. Clinical incidents including exposure. Harassment or discrimination. Unsafe practices. Accommodation or transport concerns. Anything that feels uncomfortable or unsafe.

9.2 — How to Report

Speak to your Programme Coordinator (primary). Contact the EA WhatsApp Hotline (24/7). Email info@electiveafrica.com. For clinical concerns, report to your Clinical Mentor.

9.3 — Escalation

If a concern goes unaddressed, or you're in immediate danger: contact the EA WhatsApp Hotline, call 999/112 for physical danger, contact your embassy if needed, and contact your home university's international office if relevant.

9.4 — Support Available

General safety: contact your Programme Coordinator. Medical/clinical: seek review and notify your Coordinator. Mental health: speak to your Coordinator — counselling is available. Harassment: report to your Coordinator (confidential). Out-of-hours: EA WhatsApp Hotline (24/7).