Mission Briefs: Global Rescue in Action – Issue 48

Article Highlights:

• Global Rescue’s GRID System: Provides immediate emergency contact with medical and military experts via an app.
• Successful Medical Evacuations: Recent operations include evacuations from Nepal, Tanzania, Pakistan, Tibet, and Mongolia for various medical emergencies.
• Comprehensive Traveler Support: Two decades of ensuring traveler safety and timely medical interventions worldwide.

Travel is increasing globally. Unfortunately, so are travel disruptions from illness, injury, extreme weather and transportation delays, not to mention threats of international violent conflicts, terrorism and civil unrest. Most travelers lack immediate access to travel intelligence information, communication or operations capabilities that may be lifesaving in the event of a medical or security emergency.

“Global Rescue’s GRID (Global Rescue Intelligence Delivery system) changes that,” said Harding Bush, associate director for Global Rescue security operations. “In an emergency, the GRID app puts its users in immediate contact with the medical teams and military special operations veterans who staff Global Rescue’s Global Operations Centers.”

[Related Reading: GRID 2.0 – The Most Advanced Travel Risk Intelligence Delivery System to Date]

“GRID is a one-of-a-kind system that includes innovative traveler safety features, advanced traveler-tracking capabilities, and an enhanced user interface to keep travelers safe, informed and connected on any journey,” said Dave Leopold, Global Rescue director of enterprise sales. “It works so well that it received FAST Company’s Most Innovative Award.”

Global Rescue has responded to the needs of travelers at home and abroad for two decades. In a typical month, Global Rescue performs hundreds of operations in dozens of countries. Below are highlights from some of our most recent operations in various locations.

Kidney Stones In Nepal

A member from the United States sent Global Rescue an SOS alert via a satellite messaging device requesting a field rescue from Nepal due to pain in his left side. After a medical examination and undergoing diagnostic tests, he began treatment for a left kidney stone. Despite some improvement, his pain persisted, raising concerns of infection. To enhance his care, Global Rescue medical operations recommended a medical evacuation to a hospital in Kathmandu for urology consultation and treatment. The member was successfully evacuated to the alternate hospital where he was treated and underwent a procedure without complications. Within days, he reported significant improvement and confirmed he no longer required Global Rescue’s assistance.

Hernia in Tanzania

Another member from the United States needed medical evacuation from Gilman’s Point, Tanzania, after suffering inguinal (hernia) pain while trekking in the country. Expedition leaders contacted Global Rescue, and our medical operations team initiated a helicopter evacuation due to concerns of hernia strangulation.

Despite logistical challenges, the team completed the evacuation in the morning and the member was safely transported to a medical center for evaluation where they diagnosed an uncomplicated hernia. After successful treatment, treating physicians advised the member to seek follow-up care upon returning to his Texas home.

Altitude Sickness in Pakistan

A U.S. member suffering from symptoms of altitude sickness needed field rescue from the Baltoro Glacier in Pakistan. Another person on the expedition contacted Global Rescue, reporting that our member showed symptoms of high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and potential signs of high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE), including low oxygen levels and neurological issues. He was unable to descend and lacked access to supplemental oxygen. Global Rescue medical operations initiated an immediate airborne field rescue and medical evacuation from the Concordia Campsite to a hospital in Skardu.

Following a successful transport, he was examined, received blood tests and chest X-rays before being treated with IV fluids. Quickly thereafter, he reported improvement and treating physicians discharged him following positive progress. He declined further Global Rescue check-ins and planned to return home the next day.

Trekker Needs Rescue in Tibet

Global Rescue received a contact via GRID from a U.S. member reporting that his oxygen levels were dropping, and his breathing had become difficult while trekking in the region of Gang Rinpoche and Mt. Kailash in Tibet. Expedition leaders noted continued headache, cough, cold, and abdominal discomfort symptoms, prompting the team leader to turn and descend using a 4-wheel drive vehicle to reach a lodge for further assessment.

Global Rescue medical operations assessed our member’s condition and initiated an urgent medical transport by ground and air to a hospital in Kathmandu. He was successfully transported and examined by medical staff, provided with supplemental oxygen and diagnosed with resolved acute mountain sickness. His oxygen levels stabilized and tests showed improvements. The hospital discharged him and he opted to return home earlier than planned. He declined further assistance from Global Rescue with no additional requests.

Motorcycle Accident in Mongolia

Global Rescue medical operations responded to an alert from an Australian member injured in a remote area of Mongolia following a motorcycle collision with an automobile. He was conscious but experiencing hip pain and immobility and needed a field rescue. Due to the absence of nearby landing strips for fixed-wing aircraft and the unavailability of helicopters, we initiated a ground ambulance transport to get him to a hospital capable of appropriate care.

The member was immobilized and medicated for pain relief. He arrived safely at a medical center in Ulaanbaatar where he received a diagnosis of stable pelvic and sacrum fractures. Global Rescue medical professionals reviewed his treatment and found no issues. After a day of observation, the member requested discharge with the intention of resting for six weeks before flying with his wife to France where his son lives for further care and consultation with an orthopedic specialist. He declined additional assistance from Global Rescue and expressed gratitude for the support.