NEWS
PRESS RELEASE
Mission Briefs: Global Rescue In Action – Issue 51
Article Highlights:
- Global Rescue’s Critical Missions: Rapid medical evacuations across Kilimanjaro, Manaslu, Nepal, and more.
- Emergency Aid Worldwide: Lifesaving rescues for injured divers, trekkers, motorcyclists, and skiers.
- Altitude and Remote Area Response: Expert care for altitude sickness, decompression illness, and severe injuries.
Decompression Sickness in Fiji
On September 19, Global Rescue Operations received a report from a member who experienced symptoms of decompression sickness after diving near a remote island in Fiji. His symptoms, including chest pain and shortness of breath, required immediate medical intervention. The local doctor recommended hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), which was unavailable on the island. Global Rescue coordinated a sea-level flight to Suva, followed by ambulance transport to CWM Hospital, where the member received multiple HBOT sessions. After significant improvement, he was advised to wait 3-5 days before flying home.Motorcycle Accident Triggers Medical Evacuation
On August 1, 2024, a U.S. member contacted Global Rescue following a motorcycle accident in Omak, Washington, resulting in a broken clavicle. After receiving initial treatment, the member chose to return home for surgery. Global Rescue doctors recommended business class air travel to prevent further injury. We made arrangements for ground transportation to Spokane International Airport and a flight to Denver, Colorado. The member's transport proceeded without complications, and upon arrival in Denver, he confirmed that he was safely picked up by his family, reporting no additional concerns with his injuries.Airborne Evacuations from Kilimanjaro
Multiple trekkers on Mount Kilimanjaro required emergency evacuations due to severe medical conditions. On September 8, a trekker at Gilman’s Point experienced critical chest pain and dangerously low oxygen levels, prompting a helicopter evacuation to a medical center in Kilimanjaro for treatment. A week later, another individual at Barafu Camp suffered breathing difficulties and other severe symptoms after summiting. They were transported by stretcher to Millennium Camp and then evacuated to a medical center for evaluation. The next day, a climber at Kikilewa Camp reported heat stroke symptoms, including chest pain, dehydration and low oxygen levels, and was also evacuated to a medical center in Kilimanjaro medical center for treatment. All members were successfully evacuated, received medical care and resumed recovery.Ski Lift Accident in Switzerland
In September 2024, Global Rescue coordinated a medical evacuation for a 14-year-old female who suffered severe spinal injuries from a ski lift malfunction in Lausanne, Switzerland. After spinal surgery and critical care at Lausanne University Hospital, her condition remained critical with paraplegia and no significant improvement. Global Rescue’s medical team recommended her repatriation to Canada via air ambulance to the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario. The mission, conducted on September 15, 2024, included medical staff and ground transport and was completed without complications.Field Rescue in the Dolomites
On September 17, 2024, a 67-year-old trekker in the Italian Dolomites experienced severe respiratory issues, including difficulty breathing, chest tightness and fatigue. Initially, at Rifugio Monte Muro, she contacted Global Rescue for advice as her symptoms worsened despite medication. We authorized a field rescue and ground transportation to take her to Hotel Corona for medical consultation. After a negative COVID test, she was diagnosed with bronchitis and the flu and prescribed antibiotics. Following her recovery, she declined further follow-ups and expressed gratitude for the assistance provided.Multiple Rescue Operations on Manaslu
Global Rescue conducted several rescues on Mount Manaslu in Nepal, due to altitude-related illnesses and injuries. The first operation was for a climber suffering from High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) at Manaslu Base Camp. The individual, experiencing rapid breathing, chest pain and low oxygen saturation, was transported to a lower altitude at Samagaun for stabilization. However, the climber required additional medical attention, prompting Global Rescue to arrange an air evacuation to a hospital in Kathmandu. Following treatment for HAPE and dehydration, the climber opted to abort the expedition and return home, expressing gratitude for the care and coordination provided by Global Rescue. Two days later, another evacuation was triggered for a climber at Manaslu Camp 1 who was experiencing severe back spasms and difficulty breathing. The climber was immobilized and unable to move due to the intense pain radiating to the lungs and ribs. Global Rescue authorized a helicopter rescue; however, poor weather conditions delayed the operation. A day later, the climber was successfully airlifted to a hospital in Kathmandu. Following an evaluation, the climber was diagnosed with altitude sickness and back pain. After receiving treatment, including IV medications, the climber's condition improved, and they later rebooked their return flight to Australia. A few days after that, a third incident occurred at Manaslu Camp 1. A climber sustained a severe ankle sprain and knee injury, rendering them unable to walk or descend. After a Global Rescue doctor evaluated the situation, we arranged a helicopter evacuation to transport the member to a nearby hospital. The climber was treated for a right ankle sprain and discharged with instructions for further recovery. In a separate incident, a climber at Manaslu Camp 3 suffered from Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), resulting in breathing difficulties and nausea. Global Rescue authorized a helicopter evacuation to a nearby hospital. The climber was treated for AMS and frostbite on the fingers before being discharged.Motorcycle Accident Medevac from British Columbia
On September 7, 2024, a member sustained a serious ankle injury during a motorcycle accident on the Stewart-Cassiar Highway, British Columbia. He was initially treated at Stewart Health Center for a broken and dislocated left ankle. Due to the remoteness of the location, we explored multiple transportation options to transfer him for further care at the University Hospital of Northern British Columbia. The patient ultimately opted for ground transport provided by Motoquest to Smithers, where Global Rescue arranged the remaining journey to Prince George. Following surgery, the patient was discharged on September 10 and independently arranged his return home.Helicopter Evacuations in Nepal
A trekker in Khare, Nepal, sustained injuries from a fall, suffering head trauma and mobility issues. Global Rescue was notified and conducted an airborne field rescue of the member to a nearby hospital for treatment and recovery before returning to their home country, New Zealand. Two weeks later, Global Rescue was notified of another member showing symptoms of severe Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) during a trek in Dolpa, Nepal. The member was vomiting with nausea, general weakness and low oxygen levels. She required helicopter evacuation to a nearby hospital in Kathmandu. After treatment, she declined further medical tests and was discharged.
Geopolitical Instability Emerges as Biggest Travel Risk for 2025, Survey Shows
(Lebanon, N.H. – Oct. 15, 2024) Travelers are becoming increasingly concerned about the evolving risks in international travel. Nearly a third of the world’s most experienced travelers (30%) revealed that geopolitical instability is their most significant perceived travel risk, according to the Global Rescue Fall 2024 Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey. Respondents reported economic instability (12%) and terrorism (11%) as the next most concerning travel risks for 2025.
“From two ongoing wars to political and economic instability in multiple countries, travelers are keenly aware of how conflicts, currency destabilization and inflation can suddenly change the landscape of a destination,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce. “It’s important for travelers to be informed and have contingency plans in place, especially when traveling to regions where risks are elevated.”
The survey revealed that more than half of travelers (51%) would obtain security extraction services when traveling to countries or regions where terrorism, civil unrest, or war is an ongoing threat. Travelers are paying close attention to official U.S. travel advisories. “Travelers are taking their safety more seriously than ever before,” said Harding Bush, former Navy SEAL and security director for Global Rescue. “Security extraction services are no longer viewed as optional for those who travel to high-risk areas. People want to know that they can get out of a dangerous situation quickly if necessary.”
Despite external travel threats like geopolitical instability, the survey identified that nearly half of travelers (45%) identified injury or illness as their biggest concern during international travel, making health risks the leading issue travelers worry about. Health and safety have always been a concern for travelers, but in today’s unpredictable global climate, it has become a top priority.
“Whether it’s falling ill or experiencing an injury abroad, travelers are becoming more aware of the importance of having robust support systems in place,” Richards said. “Having the right resources available—whether that’s safety advisory or medical evacuation—can make all the difference when facing an emergency abroad.”
Individuals are showing an increasing reliance on destination reports and travel advisories. International trip planning is no longer solely about securing restaurant reservations, now preemptive emergency medical and security planning is part of the smart traveler’s preparation,” Richards emphasized. “More travelers are proactively seeking advice and protection, even before departure, ensuring they are ready to respond to unpredicted crises.”
Contact
Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or +1 (202) 560-1195 (phone/text) for more information.
About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey
Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, surveyed current and former members between October 1-5, 2024. The respondents revealed a variety of behaviors, attitudes and preferences regarding current and future travel.
About Global Rescue
The Global Rescue Companies are the world's leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.
World Tourism and Travel Council Explores How MICE Tourism Transforms Business Travel
(Perth, Western Australia – October 9, 2024) Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies, joined an important panel discussion at the 2024 WTTC (World Travel & Tourism Council) World Conference to discuss the transformative role of Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) in tourism and business travel.
Richards highlighted the growing importance of MICE tourism and the need to include travel risk and crisis management preparation to manage, monitor, support and respond to any medical or security threat these events may incur, particularly large-scale business events.
“MICE events represent a significant segment of global business travel,” Richards stated. “These gatherings serve as catalysts for networking, learning, and deal-making while generating substantial economic benefits for host cities by driving business to hotels, restaurants, and local service providers.”
The panel discussion, “The Opportunity in Large Events,” took place Wednesday, October 9th and featured Richards, Christie Travers-Smith, Head of Retail & Travel EMEA Partnerships for Google; Douglas Feagin, President of Ant International; and Bradley Woods, Chair of Business Events Perth.
The session was moderated by Narelda Jacobs, Anchor of Network 10.
MICE tourism also plays a crucial role in corporate strategies. Businesses leverage these events to incentivize employees, reward top distributors, and deepen relationships with key clients. Richards emphasized how these experiences not only build loyalty but also enhance business growth through collaborative opportunities.
The WTTC World Conference is recognized globally as a key platform for leaders across the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors to address challenges and share innovative solutions. This year’s focus on large-scale events like MICE further underscores the event’s relevance in navigating the future of travel.
Contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or 202.560.1195 (phone/text) for more information.
About Global Rescue
Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.
Hurricane Milton Triggers Massive Evacuation; Global Rescue Outlines Five Survival Tips
(Lebanon, N.H. – October 8, 2024) Hurricane Milton is quickly intensifying spurring Florida's west coast to brace for a significant evacuation as the storm approaches. The Gulf Coast remains in Hurricane Milton's path which is now a category 5 storm expected to make landfall in the next 48 hours on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The storm currently has sustained winds in excess of 180 mph and is the second strongest hurricane ever recorded in the Gulf. Tidal surges are expected to exceed 12 feet, more than double the depth of hurricane Helene.
“Weather tracking technology allows people to track hurricanes well in advance of landfall, giving them time to prepare their homes and evacuate” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies, the leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services. “Nevertheless, every year there are some who stay put, facing the storm head on, either because they are unwilling or unable to do otherwise.”
The Mayor of Tampa Bay Jane Castor stated that residents who don’t heed the evacuation orders for low lying areas “will die.”
The following five tips will help residents and travelers prepare for a hurricane and post-storm survival:
- Evacuate if you can. If officials issue an evacuation order, don’t ignore it. Follow instructions issued by local officials.
- Know where to get hurricane information. You can receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on your mobile phone from the National Weather Service.
- Pack a small “go bag” that is easily carried, such as a small backpack, in case you are forced to leave quickly. Make sure it includes a change of clothes, toiletries, extra medications and important personal documents and identifications. Have cash in small denominations on hand. Be sure to inform friends and family of your plans.
- Know your shelter options. If you do have to evacuate, make sure you know your evacuation routes and your destination. Airports, inland hotels on high ground are good options. If you are sheltering in place, be prepared. Stay away from windows, close the heavy drapes to protect from shattering glass and take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the second floor.
- Keep your communication devices charged. Power could go out for days, or longer, following a hurricane. It all depends on the local infrastructure. Wherever you are, it’s imperative to have multiple backups for charging your phone, tablets or laptops so you can stay connected to emergency services.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) officials predicted above-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic basin this year. NOAA’s outlook for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which spans from June 1 to November 30, predicts an 85% chance of an above-normal season, a 10% chance of a near-normal season and a 5% chance of a below-normal season, according to officials.
NOAA is forecasting a range of 17 to 25 total named storms. Of those, up to 13 are forecast to become hurricanes, including up to 7 becoming major hurricanes. A Category 1 hurricane generates tropical winds of 74 miles per hour or more along with torrential rain, thunder and lightning. In a Category 5 hurricane, wind speeds can easily double to devastating gusts of nearly 160 miles per hour.
Storm surge is the leading cause of hurricane-related deaths. As water from the ocean pushes toward the shore from the force of the winds, storm surges can demolish buildings, undermine roads and erode coastlines. “Even if you’re not located directly on the coast, damage from a storm surge can occur more than 100 miles inland. The results can be catastrophic,” Richards said.
Contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or 202.560.1195 (phone/text) for more information.
About Global Rescue
Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.
Media Contact
For all media related inquiries, please contact: