Global Rescue News

Global Rescue paramedic deployed to assist injured member in Ecuador

Global Rescue was alerted to an incident involving a member in Ecuador who had suffered a five foot fall onto concrete.  Immediately after the fall he developed shortness of breath and medical transport was arranged to a local clinic in the small town of Esmereldas. Once there, chest x-rays revealed several broken ribs. The preference of local surgeons was to wire the member’s ribs to prevent further injury. However, Global Rescue’s medical team questioned whether this invasive surgery was necessary.  Global Rescue immediately deployed a bedside paramedic to manage this complicated case and advocate for the patient.  After further consultation with both local physicians in Ecuador and specialists from Johns Hopkins Medicine, Global Rescue insisted the member be transported to a local radiology clinic for further assessment. This revealed blood and air had entered the space around his lungs due to the traumatic injury.  Due to the nature of the injury, the risks involved in transporting the patient prevented him from being moved safely.  As a result, Global Rescue’s paramedic remained on station in the hospital overseeing and coordinating care until the member could be transported. The member was ultimately able to return home under Global Rescue’s supervision and is expected to make a full recovery.