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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…

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.

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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…

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.

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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…

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.

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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…

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.

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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…

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.

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Santiago Chile Skiing Accident

A U.S. member needed a medical evacuation from Chile after injuring his knee while skiing in Farellones, Chile. He was evaluated at a hospital in Santiago where X-ray results showed an ACL rupture as well…

A U.S. member needed a medical evacuation from Chile after injuring his knee while skiing in Farellones, Chile. He was evaluated at a hospital in Santiago where X-ray results showed an ACL rupture as well as broken bones and cartilage damage. He was deemed fit to fly provided he had first-class seating for proper extremity extension. Global Rescue medical operations personnel was contacted and agreed with the recommendation, provided his first-class seating and added that the member should seek an orthopedic follow-up upon arrival at his home. Wheelchair and luggage assistance was also coordinated as well as English-speaking staff to help him until he reached his flight gate. The member reported an uneventful flight and confirmed his orthopedic appointment for further treatment of his injury.

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Motorcycle Accident in Tajikistan

An Australian member needed medical evacuation from Dushanbe, Tajikistan, following a motorcycle accident. He was evaluated by an orthopedic doctor at a local clinic who recommended surgery after confirming several broken ankle bones sustained in…

An Australian member needed medical evacuation from Dushanbe, Tajikistan, following a motorcycle accident. He was evaluated by an orthopedic doctor at a local clinic who recommended surgery after confirming several broken ankle bones sustained in the accident. Global Rescue medical operations endorsed a seat upgrade for his commercial transport home for surgery. Global Rescue physicians further advised the need for anticoagulation therapy and pain medication for him during the flight. Fitted with a cast and using crutches for mobility support, the member was safely transported to his hometown in Syndney and then to his hospital of choice for further treatment.

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Surviving a Fall into a Crevasse on K2

A member from the UAE needed field rescue while trekking Broad Peak Mountain in Pakistan after having trouble walking following a fall into a crevasse. She contacted Global Rescue, and the medical operations team advised…

A member from the UAE needed field rescue while trekking Broad Peak Mountain in Pakistan after having trouble walking following a fall into a crevasse. She contacted Global Rescue, and the medical operations team advised her to descend to base camp, the highest elevation allowable for a helicopter transport. Despite suffering additional symptoms including shortness of breath, a cough, generalized weakness and diarrhea, she was able to descend off Broad Peak and undertake a short hike to the K2 base camp where she was transported by helicopter to a hospital and treated for frostbite on her nose and large toes in addition to left knee trauma from her fall. She was admitted for two nights before recovering sufficiently and being discharged.

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Breathless on the Mountain of Greatness

A 45-year-old U.S. member needed field rescue from Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, after suffering respiratory issues, including wheezing, shortness of breath, dizziness, and chest tightness. Her symptoms correlated with HAPE. To alleviate her condition, she was…

A 45-year-old U.S. member needed field rescue from Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, after suffering respiratory issues, including wheezing, shortness of breath, dizziness, and chest tightness. Her symptoms correlated with HAPE. To alleviate her condition, she was given Nifedipine, and Paracetamol and received oxygen at a nearby camp. Despite the medications, her condition worsened and her HAPE symptoms progressed. She contacted Global Rescue and, upon reviewing her condition, an airborne transport to a hospital was arranged. She was transported successfully, and she received treatment before being discharged with oral medications.

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Snowboarding Accident in Chile

A 27-year-old U.S. member needed a medical evacuation from Chile to Chicago after injuring his left hand during a snowboarding accident in El Colorado. He received a consultation at a local clinic and was diagnosed…

A 27-year-old U.S. member needed a medical evacuation from Chile to Chicago after injuring his left hand during a snowboarding accident in El Colorado. He received a consultation at a local clinic and was diagnosed with a fractured index finger on his left hand. He contacted Global Rescue medical operations personnel and concurred with local treating physicians to return to the U.S. for further consultation and treatment of his injury. Due to the need for further evaluation and possible surgery, Global Rescue operations arranged his transfer home, including ground and air transport. The member arrived home successfully and went to the hospital for his surgery.

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Dangerous Facial Swelling at High Altitude

A 64-year-old U.S. member of the American Alpine Club needed field rescue from Shira Camp 2 on Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania contacted Global Rescue medical operations to report swelling and tightness in his lips, cheeks and…

A 64-year-old U.S. member of the American Alpine Club needed field rescue from Shira Camp 2 on Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania contacted Global Rescue medical operations to report swelling and tightness in his lips, cheeks and face. A friend and internist suggested that he could be experiencing adverse reactions to Lisinopril, a medication used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, or there could be a clot causing the swelling. We initiated an immediate airborne evacuation due to the member’s condition. He was safely airlifted from the mountain to a hospital in Moshi. At the hospital emergency department, the member was evaluated and tested before being discharged after receiving a cortisone injection and Loratadine, a medicine used to treat allergies.

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Severe Altitude Sickness on K2

A Canadian member required field rescue from K2 in Pakistan after she began suffering from high-altitude sickness. One of the expedition guides contacted Global Rescue and said the member’s symptoms included headache, weakness, decreased appetite,…

A Canadian member required field rescue from K2 in Pakistan after she began suffering from high-altitude sickness. One of the expedition guides contacted Global Rescue and said the member’s symptoms included headache, weakness, decreased appetite, and diarrhea over the past several days. Her condition worsened to the point where she required assistance with basic tasks and struggled to maintain her balance. Despite taking Diamox, her symptoms – shortness of breath, dry cough and constant shivering – did not improve. A doctor in the expedition group suggested further evaluation, possibly considering a bacterial infection. Global Rescue physicians reviewed the initial information and recommended helicopter evacuation to a lower elevation for medical assessment. The member was successfully transported to a hospital in Skardu for evaluation and treatment. Her condition improved after receiving appropriate treatment, and she was subsequently discharged.