Travelers are planning three or more trips in 2024, according to the world’s most experienced travelers responding to the Global Rescue Winter Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey. The overwhelming majority of respondents (93%) are planning international trips this year with 41% planning three or more trips and more than half (52%) taking one-to-two trips abroad.

“The traveler’s appetite for exploring the world is increasing. Today’s travelers are traveling boldly and increasingly seeking out new destinations that are unspoiled, less popular, more remote and sometimes a little riskier,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies, the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services, and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce. “Adventure travel, luxury travel and other activity-focused segments will continue to see strong growth.”

Global Rescue continues to answer the service needs of travelers – here and abroad – without any disruptions. In a typical one-month period, Global Rescue completes hundreds of operations in dozens of countries and principalities. Below are highlights from some of our most recent operations in various locations.

 

Chest Pains in the Amazon

A U.S. member needed a field rescue after experiencing a sharp, stabbing pain on the left side of his chest during a boat trip in the Amazonas region of Brazil. Doses of aspirin alleviated some discomfort, but the pain persisted overnight and into the morning. Global Rescue medical operations initiated a field rescue. Unfortunately, no float planes or helicopter transports were available. Ultimately, ground transport was arranged and successfully conveyed the member to an airport where a cardiologist met with him for an examination and evaluation. The physician accompanied the member to a hospital in Manaus. Following an array of diagnostic tests the member was treated for hypertension, yet the cause of his chest pains was inconclusive based on the test results. He made an appointment with his cardiologist in the U.S. and based on his improving condition, felt confident to return home.

 

[Related Reading: Cardiac Concerns in Costa Rica]

 

Surfing Accident in Costa Rica

Surfing can be thrilling, but it comes with risks. The most common injuries are caused by contact with the surfer’s own board or someone else’s board. In the case of one member from the U.S. who was taking a surfing lesson in Costa Rica, the culprit for his injury was landing head first on the sand. His fall led to severe neck and head pain and prompted local authorities to transport him by aircraft to a nearby hospital. The member was examined and diagnosed with hangman’s fracture, a bilateral fracture of cervical vertebrae 2 and 3. He was deemed fit to fly via air ambulance and, due to the nature and severity of his injury, Global Rescue operations handled his transport from the hospital in San Rafael, Costa Rica, to a medical center in Colorado where he continued his treatment and recovery.

 

A Costa Rican beach filled with surfers and people.

 

Skiing Accident in California

A member from New Zealand needed a medical evacuation following a skiing accident resulting in a severe ankle injury diagnosed as a ruptured Achilles tendon. He was advised by the treating orthopedic doctor to have immediate surgery. Global Rescue was contacted and arranged for the member to return to his home hospital of choice in a commercial airline business class seat to be able to elevate his injured leg. He was also provided with a wheelchair and luggage assistance. The member arrived at his destination safely where he followed up with his local physician for surgery and to continue his recovery.

 

[Related Reading: A Second Chance After a Life-Threatening Fall]

 

Rough Landing While Paragliding in Colombia

A U.S. member was paragliding in Colombia when she experienced a rough landing and injured her ankle. She was examined and diagnosed with a broken ankle, specifically a fracture of the left tibial malleolus, with a recommendation for surgery to repair the damage. Global Rescue confirmed that the local treatment team would not be able to perform the surgery for a couple of days and recommended the member return immediately to her home for her surgery. Global Rescue arranged for an expedited return flight with business class seating and ground transportation. She arrived safely back at home in Washington where she followed up with her orthopedic physician for surgery.

 

A paraglider high above the green land and blue ocean under a bright sky.

 

Multiple Medevacs from Aconcagua

Members from Australia, Russia, Iceland, Mexico, Japan and many other countries needed airborne field rescue from Aconcagua to a local medical facility and, in some cases, ground transport to a hospital with advanced capabilities. Members showed various symptoms including shortness of breath, low oxygen saturation levels, labored breathing, headache and stroke symptoms. In each case, Global Rescue medical operations personnel, who were deployed on the mountain, initiated helicopter transports and successfully brought the members safely to medical facilities where they were examined, evaluated, diagnosed, treated and release after quick recoveries. In one case, a member was diagnosed with acute non-cardiogenic lung edema, a serious disorder that occurs when the lungs suddenly fill with fluid. He was admitted for observation and treatment until his condition improved and he was discharged a few days later.

 

[Related Reading: Aconcagua: The Mountain of Death]

 

Travelers with a sense of adventure will bring along a Global Rescue medical evacuation and travel risk membership for peace of mind. A Global Rescue membership pays for the expense of a field rescue or medical evacuation, which can reach $300,000 if you become ill or hurt while traveling. For members of Global Rescue, the cost is $0. In the absence of Global Rescue, your travel emergency may take longer, cost more and exacerbate a risky scenario.