Global Rescue In Action – Issue 57

[Global Rescue]

Behind the breathtaking vistas and vibrant city streets explored during any exotic trip lies a stark contradiction. Even as travelers express rising concern over health emergencies abroad, few prepare for them.

Savvy travelers maintain their spontaneity while making informed choices. A few simple habits — researching local healthcare infrastructure, checking the availability of English-speaking medical providers, buying traveler protection (like Global Rescue), and knowing emergency numbers — can turn a reactive crisis into a managed incident.

Global Rescue has responded to the needs of travelers at home and abroad since 2004. In a typical month, we perform hundreds of operations in dozens of countries. This month was no exception. In this issue of Mission Briefs, we’ve highlighted a few select rescues, from a Guatemalan motorcycle crash, a snowboarder’s accident in Japan, a post-summit fall on Mount Kilimanjaro, and several other illnesses and injuries around the world.

Rescue From a Cruise Ship in Hong Kong​

While on a cruise, a US member began experiencing severe abdominal pain and nausea. Upon arrival in Hong Kong, she was admitted to a local hospital but required further imaging and care unavailable at the initial facility. A ground transfer was arranged to a private hospital where she was diagnosed with sepsis and cholangitis (an infection or inflammation of the ducts that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder and intestines). She underwent a week of intravenous antibiotics and was discharged in improved condition.

Motorcycle Crash in Guatemala​

Following a motorcycle crash in Lanquin, Guatemala, the US member sustained fractures in his elbow and ankle. He arranged his transport to a hospital where an orthopedic evaluation recommended surgical treatment back home. Global Rescue coordinated an early return to the US including airline upgrades and medical accommodations. He arrived safely and planned follow-up care at a sports medicine facility.

Snowboarder Breaks Leg in Japan​

While snowboarding in Minakami, Japan, a New Zealand member sustained a tibial plateau fracture (a break in the upper part of the shinbone). After initial hospital care and closed reduction, surgery was recommended. Global Rescue arranged for his return to New Zealand via business class with Global Rescue ground support. He arrived safely in Wellington and was taken to a hospital for surgical evaluation.

Skiing Accident in France​

While skiing in Tignes, France, an Australian member broke his collarbone. He reported severe pain and loss of shoulder mobility. After consultation with his orthopedic surgeon, Global Rescue arranged repatriation to Melbourne including flight upgrades and ground transport. He arrived home safely and was scheduled for surgery within a week of his return.

Vehicle Crash in Morocco​

After a vehicle accident in Marrakesh, Morocco, a UK member was diagnosed with a hemopneumothorax and flail chest (the presence of both blood and air in the chest cavity, a section of the chest wall moves independently due to multiple rib fractures). He was transferred to a specialized clinic and underwent chest tube placement. Global Rescue arranged local medical liaison support and continued monitoring. The member improved steadily and chose to coordinate repatriation with his insurer.

Broken Arm on Mount Kilimanjaro​

During a trek near Kosovo Camp on Mount Kilimanjaro, a US member sustained injuries to his left shoulder and knee after hearing a “pop” while using his trekking pole. The pain rendered him unable to continue the hike. A helicopter evacuation was arranged to a nearby hospital where he was diagnosed with a partial fracture of the left humerus (the bone from the shoulder to the elbow). After treatment, he was discharged with medication and a sling and advised to follow up with his primary care provider upon return home.

Chopper Evacuation in Nepal​

In the Mera Park region of Nepal, a South African member developed worsening symptoms of altitude sickness that progressed to high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE). Despite initial treatment, his condition required urgent helicopter evacuation to a hospital. After further treatment, he was diagnosed with high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), HACE and several related complications. He was discharged in improved condition and the case was reviewed with no concerns noted about the medical care provided.

Post-Summit Fall in Tanzania
After summiting Stella Point on Mount Kilimanjaro, a US member sustained a right leg injury and developed altitude sickness symptoms. Unable to bear weight and showing signs of HAPE and HACE, she was evacuated by helicopter to a nearby hospital. She was diagnosed with a fractured and dislocated ankle, treated with a cast and crutches and later discharged with medication.

Trekker Overcome in Nepal​

While trekking in Tengboche, Nepal, a Brazilian member began experiencing symptoms of HAPE and HACE. After an initial evacuation for treatment at a local hospital, her condition persisted. She was medically evacuated to a medical facility capable of a higher level of care where she was diagnosed with altitude sickness, gastroenteritis and other complications. She improved significantly and returned home safely.

The Global Rescue Connection​

Helicopter rescues are vital to emergency response, providing rapid and effective assistance in situations where traditional ground-based rescues are impossible. Whether transporting critically ill patients, plucking climbers from cliffs, rescuing mariners from stormy seas or evacuating crews from lifeboats, these operations save countless lives each year.