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Heart Attack During a Paragliding Trip

A South African member needed field rescue and medical evacuation during a paragliding trip in Paiju, Pakistan, when he contacted Global Rescue and reported having chest pain while trekking on Baltoro Glacier and increased discomfort…

A South African member needed field rescue and medical evacuation during a paragliding trip in Paiju, Pakistan, when he contacted Global Rescue and reported having chest pain while trekking on Baltoro Glacier and increased discomfort after paragliding. The member suspected he was having a heart attack, reporting numbness in his arms, severe chest tightness and pain radiating to his left arm. He took aspirin and supplemental oxygen, but his condition improved only slightly. Global Rescue deployed an emergency airborne medical evacuation team and successfully transported the member to a hospital in Skardu where he was admitted to the ICU for treatment of myocardial infarction. A day later, the treating physicians agreed that the member’s condition merited a higher level of care, whereupon Global Rescue arranged for his transport to a hospital in Islamabad for further evaluation and care. The member was stabilized and deemed fit to fly for definitive cardiac care at a Cape Town, South Africa, hospital. Global Rescue provided business class seating for the member who arrived safely in Cape Town.

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Medevac from Piaju Camp, Pakistan

A tour guide contacted Global Rescue reporting that a Brazilian member who was trekking with the expedition group became sick at the Piaju Camp in Pakistan. The member was suffering from episodes of vomiting and…

A tour guide contacted Global Rescue reporting that a Brazilian member who was trekking with the expedition group became sick at the Piaju Camp in Pakistan. The member was suffering from episodes of vomiting and a drop in blood pressure while at the camp. With no nearby medical facilities, the expedition leader requested a field rescue and Global Rescue launched an emergency airborne medical evacuation. The member was successfully transported to a medical facility where he underwent an evaluation and diagnostic procedures. The member was released for bed rest in his Islamabad hotel room before returning to his home in Brazil.

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Biking Mishap in Italy Reveals Heart Condition

A Canadian member needed medical evacuation following a bicycle accident in Italy. The member’s sister contacted Global Rescue reporting her sibling sustained a leg injury following the bike mishap and had been taken to the…

A Canadian member needed medical evacuation following a bicycle accident in Italy. The member’s sister contacted Global Rescue reporting her sibling sustained a leg injury following the bike mishap and had been taken to the emergency room. The member was treated and released with a cast and prescribed blood thinners. A day later, however, the member was discovered slumped in a chair and complained of severe dizziness. She returned to the hospital in Portoferraio where the attending physician expressed concern about her very low heart rate. The hospital did not have higher-level cardiovascular treatment services so Global Rescue arranged an interfacility helicopter transport to the cardiac unit of a hospital in Livorno where physicians advised that the member would require a pacemaker. Following the successful pacemaker insertion surgery, Global Rescue medical operations team members provided successful ground and air transport for the member to her home in Alberta, Canada, where she continued her follow-up cardiology care.

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Broken Ribs in the Gobi Desert

A U.S. member was badly injured while motorcycling in the Gobi Desert. A support vehicle brought the member to the adventure group’s camp to recover. Unfortunately, the member had trouble breathing and suspected he had…

A U.S. member was badly injured while motorcycling in the Gobi Desert. A support vehicle brought the member to the adventure group’s camp to recover. Unfortunately, the member had trouble breathing and suspected he had a collapsed lung. Since there were no nearby medical facilities, group leaders contacted Global Rescue to assist in evacuating the injured man for medical evaluation. The member was safely taken to a medical clinic where an examination revealed several cracked ribs and fluid accumulating in his lungs. Global Rescue medical operations leaders initiated an additional medical transport to bring the member to a hospital in Ulaanbaatar for a comprehensive evaluation with a specialist. Following the successful transport and a further examination, the member’s condition improved, and he decided to rejoin his group to continue their expedition using support vehicles instead of motorcycles.

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Teen Suffers AMS in Kenya

A young teenage member was exhibiting symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) while on Mount Kenya (17,057 feet/5,199 meters). Excursion leaders contacted Global Rescue and reported the member was unable to walk and had to…

A young teenage member was exhibiting symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) while on Mount Kenya (17,057 feet/5,199 meters). Excursion leaders contacted Global Rescue and reported the member was unable to walk and had to be carried down the mountain while experiencing nausea, severe vomiting, abdominal cramps, dehydration and overall weakness. Global Rescue medical operations team leaders initiated an airborne medical emergency field rescue, and the member was successfully transported to a hospital in Nanyuki, Kenya, where he was diagnosed with gastroenteritis and a potential case of AMS. He received antibiotics and IV fluids and was discharged with medications and a scheduled follow-up appointment for the next day. The member and his family stayed in a hotel where his condition continued to improve.

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Motorcycle Crash in Mongolia

A United Arab Emirates member contacted Global Rescue to report he suffered multiple fractures in his right hand following a motorcycle accident in Kharkhorin, Mongolia. He underwent emergency surgery at a hospital in Ulaanbaatar. Unfortunately,…

A United Arab Emirates member contacted Global Rescue to report he suffered multiple fractures in his right hand following a motorcycle accident in Kharkhorin, Mongolia. He underwent emergency surgery at a hospital in Ulaanbaatar. Unfortunately, the member’s right hand was severely swollen, and the treating doctor was unable to fix his dislocated finger. The doctor recommended microsurgery at a facility capable of performing the procedure. Global Rescue concurred with the recommendation and initiated the member’s successful transfer to his home hospital of choice in Abu Dhabi for further surgery and care.

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Fractured Patella in Portugal

Slips and falls happen on vacation. It happened to a U.S. member during a trip to Portugal. The member fell on steps fracturing her patella, commonly known as the knee cap. Following the required surgery,…

Slips and falls happen on vacation. It happened to a U.S. member during a trip to Portugal. The member fell on steps fracturing her patella, commonly known as the knee cap. Following the required surgery, the member and her spouse contacted Global Rescue for assistance getting to their home in Virginia. Global Rescue medical operations procured a return flight and seats with extra legroom to allow the member to keep her leg elevated and straight. Global Rescue services also arranged ground transportation from the airport to the member’s home. The couple arrived home safely and without incident.

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Finger Frostbite in Nepal

A Global Rescue member from South Africa had successfully summited Mount Everest but suffered frostbite on three of his right-hand fingers while at Mount Everest Base Camp II. Global Rescue initiated a helicopter field rescue…

A Global Rescue member from South Africa had successfully summited Mount Everest but suffered frostbite on three of his right-hand fingers while at Mount Everest Base Camp II. Global Rescue initiated a helicopter field rescue and airborne transport of the member to a hospital in Kathmandu for medical evaluation and treatment. The transport was successful. Medical personnel diagnosed the member with frostbite. He was admitted to the hospital for treatment. Following appropriate care, the member was discharged for continued treatment as an outpatient before departing home on his scheduled flight.

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Motorcycle Accident in Australia

Motorcycle accidents often result in more serious injuries than automobile accidents. So, when an Australian member sustained multiple bone injuries after a motorcycling accident, Global Rescue was contacted by the member’s parent for advisory. The…

Motorcycle accidents often result in more serious injuries than automobile accidents. So, when an Australian member sustained multiple bone injuries after a motorcycling accident, Global Rescue was contacted by the member’s parent for advisory. The treating hospital stabilized the member and completed multiple surgeries on his left shoulder, elbow, and right femur. Upon release from the hospital, Global Rescue recommended upgraded seating for the member’s mother and his return flight home to provide extra room for positioning and comfort. The member and his mother arrived safely and without incident at their home in Melbourne.

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HAPE at 21,000 Feet

A member from Switzerland was at Mount Everest Camp 2 (21,000 feet/6,400 meters) when he suffered the onset of High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), chest pain, shortness of breath, mild headache and frostbite on his toes…

A member from Switzerland was at Mount Everest Camp 2 (21,000 feet/6,400 meters) when he suffered the onset of High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), chest pain, shortness of breath, mild headache and frostbite on his toes and fingers. Global Rescue recognized the severity of the member’s condition and initiated an airborne rescue and transport to a hospital. Following a successful transport, a hospital physician evaluated the member whose vital signs were stable. The member elected to leave the hospital and receive further treatment at his home of residence if needed.

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Tick Bite Fever in South Africa?

When a member traveling in Komga, South Africa, began experiencing fever, signs of dehydration, nausea, vomiting, loose bowel movements, body weakness, and stiff neck and joints he call Global Rescue. The member wasn’t certain if…

When a member traveling in Komga, South Africa, began experiencing fever, signs of dehydration, nausea, vomiting, loose bowel movements, body weakness, and stiff neck and joints he call Global Rescue. The member wasn’t certain if his condition was the result of tick-bite fever. African tick bite fever (ATBF) is a bacterial infection spread by the bite of a tick. Symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle pain and a rash. Complications are rare but may include joint inflammation. Global Rescue physicians advised that the member’s symptoms and medical history warranted transport to the closest medical facility for evaluation along with laboratory tests and possible intravenous therapy. Global Rescue medical operations staff arrange ground conveyance for the member who was safely transported to the hospital where he was discharged the following morning after receiving treatment and medications. Global Rescue medical operations personnel continued to follow up with the member for post-discharge updates. The member’s recovery progressed, and he arrived safely at his home in Florida.

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Rescue From Mount Everest

A member from Mexico began suffering from chest pain, fever and shortness of breath after returning from Mount Everest Camp 4 to Camp 3. His breathing labored without supplemental oxygen, and he complained of general…

A member from Mexico began suffering from chest pain, fever and shortness of breath after returning from Mount Everest Camp 4 to Camp 3. His breathing labored without supplemental oxygen, and he complained of general body weakness. Able to stand but not walk, the member was carried by Sherpas from Camp 3 to Camp 2. Due to his Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) symptoms, ongoing difficulty breathing and need for continuous supplemental oxygen, Global Rescue operations initiated a helicopter transport from Mount Everest Camp 2 to a hospital in Lukla. The member was successfully evacuated to the hospital where he was diagnosed and prescribed antibiotics. Global Rescue medical support personnel visited the member in the hospital to help manage his care until his discharge.