Global Rescue provided medical evacuations for several international members facing health emergencies during outdoor activities. These included rib fractures after a skiing accident in Canada, an allergic reaction to Diamox while climbing Kilimanjaro, a severe knee injury in Mera Peak, and altitude mountain sickness in Aconcagua. Global Rescue coordinated helicopter evacuations for these individuals, who were treated and discharged after recovery.

In a typical 30-day period, Global Rescue executes hundreds of operations in dozens of countries. In Global Rescue’s Mission Briefs Issue 54, we highlight a few of the many rescue operations completed in December 2024.

 

Ski Accident in Canada

A 38-year-old U.S. member sustained rib fractures and a dislocated shoulder following a skiing accident in Alberta, Canada. He was transferred to a medical facility for evaluation and later requested transport back home to New York for further treatment. Global Rescue completed the necessary arrangements and provided a non-medical escort for the return flight. Upon arrival in New York, the member was admitted to a hospital for ongoing care.

 

Allergic Reaction to Diamox

A 40-year-old member from the U.S. trekking Mount Kilimanjaro experienced an allergic reaction to Diamox, a treatment for altitude mountain sickness (AMS), which resulted in rashes, blurred vision, and vision changes. After assessment, it was determined that she required medical evacuation for further evaluation. Global Rescue organized an airborne transport to a medical facility where she was treated for her symptoms and discharged with medications. She continued her recovery at a nearby lodge, thanking the operations team for their assistance and confirming no further follow-ups were necessary.

 

HAPE on the Mountain of Death

A 35-year-old member from the U.S. visiting Mendoza, Argentina, presented symptoms of high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), including fatigue, shortness of breath, elevated heart rate, and difficulty breathing. Despite treatment, her condition persisted, prompting Global Rescue to arrange a helicopter evacuation from Plaza de Mulas to a nearby hospital. She was treated for HAPE and monitored for 24 hours before being discharged with instructions for further care. The member expressed satisfaction with the treatment and continued her recovery independently.

 

Injured Knee Ends Mera Peak Climb

A 45-year-old member from Australia sustained a knee injury while descending Mera Peak, Nepal. He was unable to walk due to sharp pain in his knee and suspected tendon or ligament damage. Following a recommendation from a medical professional, Global Rescue organized a helicopter evacuation, transporting the member to a hospital in Kathmandu. Diagnosed with suspected tendonitis, he was treated and prescribed rest and medication. The member later reported improvement and shared that he would return home after his treatment, expressing gratitude for the service.

 

Hypothermia on the Roof of Africa

A 32-year-old member from the U.S. was evacuated from Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, due to hypothermia and symptoms of high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), including dizziness, shortness of breath, and low oxygen saturation. After descending to Millennium Camp, Global Rescue initiated an airborne field rescue to a medical facility where she was treated for HAPE, high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE), and acute mountain sickness (AMS). She was later discharged and continued recovery at her hotel, expressing gratitude for the assistance provided.

 

Two Czechs Medevaced Off Kilimanjaro

Two members from the Czech Republic required airborne field rescue off one of the Seven Summit mountains.

The first, a 42-year-old member, needed a medevac from Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, after experiencing severe altitude sickness symptoms, including chest pain, headache, shortness of breath, and vomiting. His oxygen saturation was critically low, and he was unable to continue descending unaided. Global Rescue dispatched a helicopter to transport him to a hospital. After receiving treatment, his condition improved, and he was discharged.

The second, a 50-year-old member, was at Barafu Camp on Mount Kilimanjaro when he suffered a knee injury and showed symptoms of altitude sickness. His oxygen saturation was low, and he was experiencing severe headaches, vomiting, dizziness, and fatigue. After evaluation, Global Rescue initiated a helicopter field rescue. The member’s altitude symptoms resolved after reaching the hospital. His knee injury was assessed and treated before he was discharged and continued recovery at his hotel.

 

A Rapid Heartbeat on Aconcagua

A 55-year-old member from the United Kingdom was evacuated from Plaza de Mulas, Mendoza Province, Argentina, after exhibiting signs of pulmonary edema, including shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, and low oxygen saturation. Global Rescue arranged a helicopter evacuation to Horcones, followed by transport to a hospital in Mendoza, where the member underwent CT scans. The diagnosis revealed no serious brain issues but indicated interstitial lung infiltrates. After being treated and monitored, the member discharged himself and requested no further assistance.

 

Medevac from Chukhung Nepal

A 55-year-old Australian member in Nepal reported experiencing symptoms consistent with high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), including difficulty breathing, chest congestion, and episodes of desaturation. After failing to find relief with medications, Global Rescue initiated a field rescue, and the member was flown by helicopter to a hospital in Lukla. The diagnosis confirmed HAPE, viral respiratory infection, and acute mountain sickness (AMS). He was treated and later discharged and plans to return home after a brief stay in Kathmandu.

 

HAPE and HACE on Kilimanjaro

A 28-year-old member from the Philippines was medevaced from Barafu Camp on Mount Kilimanjaro after exhibiting symptoms of high-altitude pulmonary and cerebral edema (HAPE/HACE), including confusion, low oxygen saturation and severe headache. Due to the lack of medical facilities at the camp, Global Rescue initiated a helicopter evacuation to a hospital, where the member received treatment. She was discharged following recovery, and the operations team thanked her for their assistance.

 

The Global Rescue Connection

In recent years, participation in mountaineering, trekking, skiing, and other high-altitude activities has rapidly increased. Global Rescue continues to expand and enhance its services for this community by increasing our capabilities to provide emergency services in more regions. Implementing the High-Altitude Evacuation Package and making it available to members 16 years of age and older who travel above 15,000 feet (4,600 meters) during any part of their trip (excluding airplane travel) and who require emergency transport due to injury or illness enables us to continue enhancing our current service capabilities for the climbing and trekking community worldwide.