Article Highlights:

• Global Rescue celebrates 20 years of life-saving operations, conducting over 25,000 successful rescues since 2004.
• Global Rescue excels in emergency medical evacuations and crisis response in any environment.
• Trusted by over a million members, including NASA and National Geographic, Global Rescue remains committed to ensuring travelers’ safety and peace of mind worldwide.

As Global Rescue celebrates its 20th anniversary, we’ve supported travelers worldwide by successfully completing over 25,000 operations since our inception by Founder and CEO Dan Richards in 2004.

“For two decades Global Rescue has responded and will continue to respond when people are having, in many instances, the worst day of their lives. We try to make it better,” he said.

Two Decades of Emergency Medical Services: Some of Our Most Challenging Medevac Operations

Ankle Break in the British Columbia Wilderness

One of the thousands of incredibly challenging rescue operations occurred in the wilderness of British Columbia. Global Rescue was called upon when a member experienced a significant injury while hiking in the rugged Canadian wilderness. After breaking his ankle during a challenging trek, he found himself stranded in a remote area, unable to navigate back to safety.

Our operations team swiftly deployed a rescue helicopter, but the dense forest and challenging terrain presented a significant obstacle, preventing it from landing near the injured member.

“The wilderness can be unpredictable, and our team is trained to adapt to any situation,” said Jeff Weinstein, a paramedic and the medical operations manager at Global Rescue. “We’re committed to getting our members the help they need, no matter the circumstances.”

Undeterred, our team adapted their approach. They landed in a clear area and then hiked through the wilderness, until they reached a dangerous river. With teamwork and perseverance, they crossed and used a chainsaw to cut a path through the thick brush on the other side, ultimately reaching the member in distress. After assessing his condition, the rescue team transported him back through the wilderness, across the river and onto the helicopter before flying him to a medical center, where he underwent surgery and had four screws inserted to repair his ankle.

“Every rescue is a team effort,” Richards added. “We leverage our resources and expertise to ensure that our members receive the highest level of care, even in the most challenging environments.”

This remarkable example underscores our organization’s commitment to saving lives and providing unparalleled support during emergencies.

More Incredible Rescue Stories

The impact of our operations is best illustrated through the remarkable travel stories of our leisure, business and adventure members who have been saved from perilous situations. Each story highlights our dedication to our mission.

A Cape Buffalo Attack

In a harrowing incident in Zimbabwe, Angie Heister was gored by a Cape buffalo while on vacation. With life-threatening injuries, she required immediate trauma treatment. “We acted swiftly, coordinating with local medical facilities and ensuring Angie received the care she needed,” explained Harding Bush, associate director of security operations at Global Rescue and former Navy SEAL. Through quick thinking and effective communication, Global Rescue stabilized Angie’s condition and transported her to a hospital.

Earthquake in Haiti

When a U.S. missionary group arrived in Haiti, they were unprepared for the massive earthquake that struck a week later. “We provided an armed security evacuation to ensure their safety,” Bush said. Global Rescue’s timely intervention was crucial in protecting the group during such a chaotic time.

Safeguarding Students

During the Arab Spring, a group of Middlebury College students found themselves amidst civil unrest in Egypt. While their insurance provider assured them of safety, the opposite was the reality. The Global Rescue intelligence team recognized the potential danger. “In that situation, the intelligence and security team had to act quickly to ensure a safe evacuation,” said Kent Webber, senior manager who leads intelligence operations at Global Rescue in the Americas. All students were safely transported home.

“Whether it’s civil unrest in Chile, airstrikes in the Middle East or the outbreak of violent conflicts in South Sudan, we leverage cutting-edge technology to stay ahead of the curve to inform our decision-making process for travelers to avoid danger,” said Webber.

Medical Emergency in Kuwait

An employee of an engineering firm fell gravely ill while working in Kuwait City. Global Rescue assessed the situation and determined that the local hospital lacked the necessary resources. “We quickly evacuated him to a medical center of excellence in Istanbul,” said David Koo, director of operations management and responsible for managing active operations at Global Rescue. His background as a combat medic with the Singapore Armed Forces equipped him with the skills to oversee critical transfer effectively. Thanks to Global Rescue’s swift response, the employee received the specialized care he needed, ultimately leading to a full recovery.

A Himalayan Rescue

In one extraordinary operation, researcher John All was conducting climate research on Mount Himlung in the Himalayas when he fell into a crevasse. The extreme conditions and remote location posed significant challenges. “We had to coordinate a complex rescue operation,” said Dan Stretch, Global Rescue operations manager at the Philippines operation center. “Our team used high-altitude evacuation techniques to ensure John’s recovery was our top priority.” Thanks to our team’s swift action, All was safely rescued and transported to a medical facility.

Wild Horse in the Wilderness

Louis Cairo, a seasoned safari traveler and personal injury lawyer, was exploring the backcountry of British Columbia on horseback when his horse stumbled on steep terrain and threw him over a rocky incline. “When we received the call, we knew time was critical,” recalled Scott Hume, Global Rescue vice president of operations and former Army Ranger. “Our team mobilized quickly to reach him in that remote area.” With diligent efforts and expertise, Global Rescue ensured Cairo received the medical attention he urgently required.

The Mystery Infection

Adventure racer Dianette Wells faced a life-threatening situation during a race in Fiji when she contracted a mysterious infection. “It was a race against time,” shared Weinstein. “We coordinated an airborne medical evacuation to ensure she reached her home hospital of choice in the U.S. safely.” The rapid response of Global Rescue not only saved her life but also provided peace of mind to her family.

Fishing Trip Gone Wrong

Founder of Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures, Jim Klug, experienced a freak accident during a fishing trip in Bolivia that resulted in a traumatic eye injury. “That situation was dire, and fast action was needed,” said Scott Hume. Global Rescue successfully facilitated his evacuation, preserving not only his sight but also his passion for adventure.

Toddler Seizure in a Foreign Country

During a family vacation in France, Carolyn Lanzetta’s three-year-old daughter, Cate, fell, started convulsing, vomiting, and became unconscious for several minutes. Initial tests looked normal, but the next day brought more seizures. Global Rescue was called and helped with the medical advisory. Ultimately, the diagnosis was that Cate had a severe, rare form of epilepsy. This incident highlights the importance of having access to rapid medical assistance while traveling, especially in foreign countries where language barriers and unfamiliar medical systems can complicate emergencies.

Medical and Security Commitment to Excellence

These incidents underscore the critical role that Global Rescue plays in ensuring the safety of travelers. With our expertise and resources, we provide not only immediate medical assistance but also peace of mind for those adventuring away from home. Whether dealing with unexpected medical emergencies or navigating treacherous terrain, Global Rescue is prepared to respond, exemplifying the importance of having reliable support when the unexpected occurs.

Global Rescue’s operational framework is built on the foundation of professional expertise. Members have access to a dedicated team of paramedics, nurses, physicians, and security specialists, available around the clock to provide immediate support and assistance when it matters most. This 24/7 availability ensures that whether a member is facing a medical emergency or a security crisis, help is just a phone call away.

This commitment to excellence has allowed Global Rescue to navigate some of the most challenging circumstances imaginable.

A Legacy of Trust

As Global Rescue celebrates its 20th anniversary, the stories of lives saved, and families protected are a testament to our organization’s unwavering dedication to our mission. Each rescue operation is a reminder of the impact that we have on the lives of individuals in their most vulnerable moments.

“Every call we receive is a chance to make a difference,” Weinstein said. “Whether it’s a minor incident or a major crisis, we provide the best possible support.”

A Future of Preparedness

As we reflect on our past two decades looking ahead, we remain firmly committed to enhancing our services and expanding our reach. The travel landscape continues to evolve, with new challenges and risks emerging every day. Richards emphasizes that “our mission is to adapt and innovate so that our members can travel with peace of mind, knowing we are always there for them.”

With a dedicated team of professionals, including former military special forces veterans and medical experts, Global Rescue is well-positioned to respond to current and future crises. Hume noted, “Our team is constantly training and preparing for a wide range of scenarios, ensuring that we are ready to act at a moment’s notice.”

As Global Rescue embarks on the next chapter of our journey, we do so with a renewed sense of purpose and determination: to be the premier safety net for travelers everywhere. As always, when emergencies arise while traveling, Global Rescue will always be just a call away.