Mission Briefs: Global Rescue In Action – Issue 58 

The Himalayan Mountain range is the highest and most formidable mountain system on Earth, stretching across five countries: Nepal, Bhutan, India, China and Pakistan. It is home to all 14 of the world’s tallest mountains, including Mount Everest (29,032 feet/8,848 meters) and Annapurna I (26,545 feet/8,091 meters). It is also where the tallest trekking mountain, Mera Peak (21,247 feet/6,476 meters), is located, serving as a popular goal for those seeking a high-altitude experience without extreme technical demands.

March through May is widely regarded as the most favorable season for trekking and climbing in the Himalayas. During this time, the weather stabilizes, snow conditions improve and the skies are typically clearer, ideal for both mountaineering expeditions and high-altitude rescues when necessary. The combination of breathtaking elevation, rugged terrain and seasonal opportunity makes the Himalayas a magnet for global adventure.

Global Rescue provides medical evacuations for trekking and mountaineering members facing health emergencies, including altitude sickness, fractures and sprains, frostbite and more. In a typical 30-day period, Global Rescue executes hundreds of operations in the Himalayas as well as dozens of countries. In Global Rescue’s Mission Briefs Issue 58, we spotlight our many Nepal rescue operations completed in April 2025.

Trouble on Annapurna

Several climbers suffered from high-altitude illnesses and frostbite while on the ascent.

A member from Jalandhar, India, experienced frostbite and breathing difficulty and was evacuated for treatment of potential high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE). Another climber from New Delhi developed grade 4 frostbite and leg swelling, requiring hospitalization and prolonged care. Meanwhile, a climber from Truro, UK, required a long-line evacuation after developing severe breathing issues and gastrointestinal symptoms. He was later treated at a nearby hospital.

In two of the most serious incidents, a member from Jardim Paulista, Brazil, suffered from HACE, HAPE and hyponatremia and was successfully treated and discharged after airborne evacuation. In a related mission, his companion, a 46-year-old woman from the same location, was rescued from Annapurna 1, Camp 3, with life-threatening altitude-related symptoms, including dangerously low oxygen saturation, swelling and hallucinations. She, too, was diagnosed with HACE, HAPE and multiple complications, treated intensively and discharged in stable condition. These back-to-back incidents underscore the severity and unpredictability of conditions on Annapurna.

Rescues on Mera Peak

A cluster of high-altitude incidents on Mera Peak led to the helicopter evacuations of multiple trekkers suffering from acute medical issues. A 25-year-old climber from Camira, Australia, developed chest tightness at over 20,000 feet and descended with worsening symptoms, including nausea and a persistent cough. He was ultimately diagnosed with acute mountain sickness and bronchitis and treated at a hospital before being released in stable condition.

Elsewhere on the mountain, a member from Skudai, Malaysia, exhibited severe symptoms of AMS and possible HACE after a summit attempt. He was safely medevaced from Khare and received treatment for altitude-related illness and bronchitis.

In a separate incident, a traveler from Singapore sustained bilateral knee injuries after multiple falls on her descent. She was diagnosed with mechanical damage (problems caused by direct blows and sudden movements straining the knees) and discharged after successful evaluation and treatment. These cases highlight the variety of medical risks climbers face on Mera Peak, from respiratory complications to orthopedic trauma.

Mount Everest-Area Medevacs

Mount Everest and the surrounding areas saw a surge in high-altitude emergencies, prompting multiple helicopter evacuations from key locations, including Everest Base Camp, Dingboche, Gorakshep, Lobuche, Khumjung, Tengboche and the surrounding valleys. Several cases involved life-threatening conditions such as HAPE, HACE, severe dehydration, respiratory tract infections and altitude-related gastritis. Patients reported symptoms ranging from chest tightness, fatigue and breathlessness to dizziness, nausea and syncope. Evacuations were conducted swiftly, often involving helicopter transports to Lukla or Kathmandu.

Among the most serious cases was a member from Donje Dvorišće, Croatia, who was diagnosed with bronchitis due to HAPE; a member from Nashville, US, with combined HAPE and HACE; and a member from Falls Church, US, with a complex mix of HAPE, respiratory tract infection and mitral regurgitation.

In Gorakshep, multiple members showed signs of worsening AMS requiring urgent intervention, while in Lobuche, incidents ranged from hemoptysis and pneumonia to altitude-induced weakness and gastrointestinal distress. These collective rescues underscore the Everest region’s unique blend of remoteness, altitude extremes and medical vulnerability.

Prepared for Anything

While the vast majority of Global Rescue operations in the Himalayas stemmed from altitude-related trekking and mountaineering emergencies, the team’s readiness extended well beyond traditional expedition support.

In one notable case, a traveler from Ko Pha Ngan, Thailand, sustained serious injuries after being dragged by a horse in the remote village of Tange. Despite the unusual nature of the incident, Global Rescue responded swiftly, evacuating the injured member via helicopter for medical evaluation and pain management.

This outlier case serves as a powerful reminder that danger in the Himalayas isn’t limited to summits and slopes. From pulmonary edema at high camps to traumatic injuries on backcountry trails, Global Rescue remains equipped to manage the unexpected, anywhere, anytime.