Scott Garrett was just two days into a safari in Namibia when an infection developed from an airborne source began to attack his immune system. Garrett had a membership with Global Rescue, but he never thought that he would need help. He was wrong.
“I was on a safari in the backcountry of Namibia when my wife, who was with me, noticed that my breathing had become labored and my respirations were off,” said Garrett. “I hadn’t realized a difference, as I have a bit of asthma. On the fourth night as I was coughing up blood, I finally realized, ‘Okay, this is much more than I thought.’
“My wife initiated correspondence with Global Rescue, and we headed to the hospital that was recommended for me. I was admitted immediately into the ICU, where I met Justin, the Global Rescue paramedic who arrived as my medical escort. He was a lifesaver, overseeing my care and communicating with my doctor.
“We found out that I had caught some sort of rapidly-developing airborne bacteria. I had double pneumonia with over 30 percent of my lung tissue infected, and my kidneys had started to show distress. This exotic bug I had was just eating me alive!
“Justin was a good liaison for us, meeting with doctors and at the same time coordinating with Global Rescue’s home base to get us back to Houston. During the 25 hours of travel back to the U.S., Justin monitored my oxygen saturation levels, and then followed us home to ensure my safety.
“Now, I am healing and getting better. I am on Day Four of a 10-day medicine regimen, and I suspect I’m on the mend to a full recovery. I didn’t realize how sick I was until I got back home and my wife said to me, ‘You could have died from this.’ Without the whole team, the doctor in Namibia, my wife, and Global Rescue, this could have been a really tragic story.
“I couldn’t believe the service I received from Global Rescue. You expect this type of assistance for an injury, but not for an illness like this. I still get texts from Justin checking on me. What Global Rescue provided just blew me away.
“I can’t say enough good things about all of the help I received. Now, whether it’s a domestic trip or overseas, I won’t ever be without a Global Rescue membership, because it truly was a rescue.”
