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Ski Accident in El Colorado, Chile

A U.S. skier suffered an accident while training in El Colorado, Lo Barnachea, Chile. Her coach contacted Global Rescue to report that the high school skier sustained a leg injury, was conscious, in pain and…

A U.S. skier suffered an accident while training in El Colorado, Lo Barnachea, Chile. Her coach contacted Global Rescue to report that the high school skier sustained a leg injury, was conscious, in pain and did not appear to have any head injuries. The treating physician diagnosed her with a broken right leg that could be managed with an open cast. Global Rescue physicians concurred that the skier could travel without an escort from Santiago, Chile, to her home state in Michigan, provided she was pain-free, had parental consent, kept her leg elevated, used crutches and took a simple blood thinner. Global Rescue approved a commercial business class flight from Santiago, Chile, to Detroit. She arrived safely and proceeded directly to Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital for a scheduled consultation with an orthopedic surgeon.

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HAPE on Kilimanjaro

An American member needed evacuation from Mount Kilimanjaro after experiencing severe symptoms, including headache, dizziness, cough, chest pain and shortness of breath. After arriving at Karanga Camp, a medical assessment revealed low oxygen saturation (62%)…

An American member needed evacuation from Mount Kilimanjaro after experiencing severe symptoms, including headache, dizziness, cough, chest pain and shortness of breath. After arriving at Karanga Camp, a medical assessment revealed low oxygen saturation (62%) and lung crackles, indicating HAPE. Due to the severity of his condition, Global Rescue authorized a field rescue to transport the member to a hospital in Moshi, Tanzania. The evacuation was conducted safely and without incident. The member was diagnosed with HAPE and discharged with instructions to seek further medical attention if symptoms did not improve.

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Rescue from Kyrgyzstan

A member from Singapore was showing signs of high-altitude sickness while climbing Lenin Peak in Kyrgyzstan. Global Rescue medical operations personnel were notified and given the risk of HACE, we initiated an airborne field rescue.…

A member from Singapore was showing signs of high-altitude sickness while climbing Lenin Peak in Kyrgyzstan. Global Rescue medical operations personnel were notified and given the risk of HACE, we initiated an airborne field rescue. The member was safely transported to a hospital where he was admitted and later diagnosed with chronic bronchial disease in exacerbation. He was hospitalized for five days after which he was cleared to fly commercially and discharged.

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Student Faints in Madagascar

A U.S. college student and Global Rescue member was walking in the field of Salary, Madagascar, when she experienced a syncopal episode, an unexpected fainting spell due to a sudden, temporary drop in blood pressure…

A U.S. college student and Global Rescue member was walking in the field of Salary, Madagascar, when she experienced a syncopal episode, an unexpected fainting spell due to a sudden, temporary drop in blood pressure or heart rate that can lead to a temporary loss of consciousness. She regained consciousness but, according to her tour leader and professor who contacted Global Rescue medical operations, the student later showed symptoms of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, with blood in her stool. Despite receiving treatment at a medical clinic, the student’s condition did not improve. Global Rescue physicians determined that an evacuation to a hospital capable of a higher level of care was necessary and we initiated an ambulance ground transport. The student was successfully transported and, following treatment, was discharged from the hospital requiring no further assistance from Global Rescue.

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Bad Fall in Concordia

An Ecuadorian member contacted Global Rescue requesting field rescue from Concordia Camp in Baltoro Glacier in Pakistan after falling approximately 16 feet/5 meters the previous day when he landed on his left arm. He reported…

An Ecuadorian member contacted Global Rescue requesting field rescue from Concordia Camp in Baltoro Glacier in Pakistan after falling approximately 16 feet/5 meters the previous day when he landed on his left arm. He reported severe swelling and pain and, despite taking ibuprofen, his discomfort persisted and stated that hiking with a prosthesis exacerbated the injury. Given the severity of the injury, Global Rescue medical operations initiated an airborne field rescue. They successfully transported the man to a hospital in Skardu where doctors diagnosed him with a fracture.

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HAPE on K2

A 48-year-old woman from Singapore reached out to Global Rescue medical operations while at Concordia Camp (15390 feet/4,691 meters) on K2. She reported suffering from symptoms indicative of Acute Mountain Sickness, including colds, cough and…

A 48-year-old woman from Singapore reached out to Global Rescue medical operations while at Concordia Camp (15390 feet/4,691 meters) on K2. She reported suffering from symptoms indicative of Acute Mountain Sickness, including colds, cough and difficulty breathing. Her oxygen level was 50%, and the camp doctor assessed her condition as AMS with possible HAPE. The camp doctor prescribed montelukast, cetirizine, DayQuil for nighttime use, and acetaminophen. The member had also been taking Diamox for altitude sickness, but her symptoms persisted. Due to the severity of her condition, Global Rescue medical operations personnel activated an airborne field rescue. The member was successfully evacuated to a hospital in Skardu where she received medical attention and was subsequently discharged.

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Spinal Injury in Costa Rica

A 73-year-old member from the US sustained a cervical spine injury in Costa Rica and underwent emergency surgery at a hospital near Santa Ana. He remained hemodynamically stable in intensive care but required continued hospitalization…

A 73-year-old member from the US sustained a cervical spine injury in Costa Rica and underwent emergency surgery at a hospital near Santa Ana. He remained hemodynamically stable in intensive care but required continued hospitalization and specialized follow-up in the US. Medical teams recommended air ambulance transport. Global Rescue arranged the flight to a hospital in Texas for ongoing care. He was safely transferred and admitted for continued treatment.

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Motorcycle Crash in Ecuador

A US member sustained a right-leg fracture in a motorcycle crash in Manta, Ecuador. A local trauma specialist immobilized the limb and recommended prompt surgery. The member reported pain and swelling, but could sit, stand…

A US member sustained a right-leg fracture in a motorcycle crash in Manta, Ecuador. A local trauma specialist immobilized the limb and recommended prompt surgery. The member reported pain and swelling, but could sit, stand and climb stairs with crutches. After medical review, Global Rescue arranged commercial air transport with seating suitable for his injury to return to his home area for definitive care. Travel was coordinated and monitored throughout the journey. On arrival, he expressed gratitude and declined further assistance.

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Kidney Stones In Nepal

A member from the United States sent Global Rescue an SOS alert via a satellite messaging device requesting a field rescue from Nepal due to pain in his left side. After a medical examination and…

A member from the United States sent Global Rescue an SOS alert via a satellite messaging device requesting a field rescue from Nepal due to pain in his left side. After a medical examination and undergoing diagnostic tests, he began treatment for a left kidney stone. Despite some improvement, his pain persisted, raising concerns of infection. To enhance his care, Global Rescue medical operations recommended a medical evacuation to a hospital in Kathmandu for urology consultation and treatment. The member was successfully evacuated to the alternate hospital where he was treated and underwent a procedure without complications. Within days, he reported significant improvement and confirmed he no longer required Global Rescue’s assistance.

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Hernia in Tanzania

Another member from the United States needed medical evacuation from Gilman’s Point, Tanzania, after suffering inguinal (hernia) pain while trekking in the country. Expedition leaders contacted Global Rescue, and our medical operations team initiated a…

Another member from the United States needed medical evacuation from Gilman’s Point, Tanzania, after suffering inguinal (hernia) pain while trekking in the country. Expedition leaders contacted Global Rescue, and our medical operations team initiated a helicopter evacuation due to concerns of hernia strangulation.

Despite logistical challenges, the team completed the evacuation in the morning and the member was safely transported to a medical center for evaluation where they diagnosed an uncomplicated hernia. After successful treatment, treating physicians advised the member to seek follow-up care upon returning to his Texas home.

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Altitude Sickness in Pakistan

A U.S. member suffering from symptoms of altitude sickness needed field rescue from the Baltoro Glacier in Pakistan. Another person on the expedition contacted Global Rescue, reporting that our member showed symptoms of high-altitude pulmonary…

A U.S. member suffering from symptoms of altitude sickness needed field rescue from the Baltoro Glacier in Pakistan. Another person on the expedition contacted Global Rescue, reporting that our member showed symptoms of high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and potential signs of high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE), including low oxygen levels and neurological issues. He was unable to descend and lacked access to supplemental oxygen. Global Rescue medical operations initiated an immediate airborne field rescue and medical evacuation from the Concordia Campsite to a hospital in Skardu.

Following a successful transport, he was examined, received blood tests and chest X-rays before being treated with IV fluids. Quickly thereafter, he reported improvement and treating physicians discharged him following positive progress. He declined further Global Rescue check-ins and planned to return home the next day.

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Trekker Needs Rescue in Tibet

Global Rescue received a contact via GRID from a U.S. member reporting that his oxygen levels were dropping, and his breathing had become difficult while trekking in the region of Gang Rinpoche and Mt. Kailash…

Global Rescue received a contact via GRID from a U.S. member reporting that his oxygen levels were dropping, and his breathing had become difficult while trekking in the region of Gang Rinpoche and Mt. Kailash in Tibet. Expedition leaders noted continued headache, cough, cold, and abdominal discomfort symptoms, prompting the team leader to turn and descend using a 4-wheel drive vehicle to reach a lodge for further assessment.

Global Rescue medical operations assessed our member’s condition and initiated an urgent medical transport by ground and air to a hospital in Kathmandu. He was successfully transported and examined by medical staff, provided with supplemental oxygen and diagnosed with resolved acute mountain sickness. His oxygen levels stabilized and tests showed improvements. The hospital discharged him and he opted to return home earlier than planned. He declined further assistance from Global Rescue with no additional requests.