How Does Rustic Pathways Ensure Safety on Lisbon & Surf?
Rustic Pathways uses established safety, supervision, and risk management practices throughout the Lisbon & Surf program.
Staff Supervision
Rustic Pathways maintains a median student-to-staff ratio of 4.37:1, with no program exceeding 7:1.
24/7 Emergency Support
Families receive access to a 24/7 emergency number. Rustic Pathways staff responds immediately to emergencies and provides ongoing updates during active situations.
Medical Oversight
Rustic Pathways’ dedicated Medical Director, Dr. William R. Smith, is a board-certified emergency physician and U.S. Army Colonel with more than 20 years of wilderness medicine experience.
Dr. Smith is available to support Program Leaders and families with medical questions, treatment decisions, and incident escalation.
Transparent Incident Data
Rustic Pathways logs incident reports for all medical and behavioral issues during its programs.
In 2025, Rustic Pathways recorded 162 incidents across 2,238 travelers. Of these incidents, 142 (87.7%) were classified as GREEN (lowest severity).
Trained Leaders
Program Leaders pass background checks through Sterling, a First Advantage company, complete 40+ hours of in-person training (80+ hours total), and hold CPR and First Aid certifications.
Rustic Pathways’ core safety team members have completed Viristar’s 40-hour online Risk Management for Outdoor Programs course.
Local Response Planning
Rustic Pathways teams maintain lists of medical facilities for every major program location.
Rustic Pathways uses vetted, licensed, and insured ground transportation operators and prohibits night driving outside approved urban routes.
