Reach a live operator
Call the Scaffold number supplied by your organization. An operator will answer and begin gathering the information needed to help.
Emergency travel assistance
A clear connection when travel takes an unexpected turn.
When an urgent situation arises abroad, Scaffold helps eligible travelers reach the people designated to respond. A live operator answers the call and connects it to an emergency responder.
International travelEmergency connectionHuman assistance
About Scaffold
A reliable route to the right support.
Scaffold is an emergency travel assistance line made available to eligible travelers through participating organizations. It provides a way to reach a live operator when local contacts cannot be reached or when a situation calls for a different route to help.
Scaffold is designed for urgent situations such as medical emergencies, natural disasters, detention, or criminal incidents. The operator connects callers with a designated response team that can help coordinate the next steps.
Read common questionsThe process
What happens when you call
The assistance line is provided directly to eligible travelers by their organization.
Share what you can
Give your name, location, the nature of the emergency, and a callback number if available. If you cannot provide every detail, the call can still be transferred.
Connect with a responder
The operator connects you to a designated emergency responder, who can work with the appropriate people to address the situation.
If immediate local help is needed
Contact local emergency services first when appropriate. Scaffold supplements local first responders; it does not replace police, fire, ambulance, or medical care.
Good to know
Common questions
A few practical details for travelers and the organizations that support them.
Who can use Scaffold?
Scaffold is available to eligible travelers whose participating organization has provided them with the emergency number and instructions.
Is the emergency number posted here?
No. Eligible travelers receive the number directly from their organization. Keep it with your travel documents and save it to a phone that can place international calls.
Should I call for routine travel questions?
The emergency line is for urgent situations. For routine program or travel questions, contact your organization through its usual channels.
What if I do not know all the details?
Call with the information you have. The operator can connect you to a responder even if some details are unavailable.
Does Scaffold replace local emergency services?
No. Seek local emergency care or contact local first responders first when that is the appropriate and available response.
General inquiries
Need to reach us about the program?
For nonurgent questions, email us. If you are an eligible traveler facing an emergency, use the assistance number provided by your organization; email is not monitored as an emergency channel.