Global Rescue News

Stranded hunter evacuated after running out of critical heart medication

While hunting in a remote part of Canada, one Global Rescue member never imagined that fog would be his biggest obstacle since facing a quintuple-bypass in 2004. Global Rescue received a worried call from the member’s wife stating that persistent fog was creating dangerous flying conditions and delaying his scheduled helicopter flight home. For most, this postponement would mean hunting for a few more days, but for this Global Rescue member, who had already run out of his heart medications, it had become a life threatening situation.

Global Rescue immediately assessed the situation and began coordinating with helicopter assets, the member’s Primary Care Physician, pharmacies and the outfitter. Having consulted with Johns Hopkins doctors, Global Rescue’s in-house medical team provided the member with advice to help keep his heart condition under control while he was waiting without medication. As soon as there was a window of time without fog, a helicopter was dispatched to the hunter’s location. The member along with six others in his party were extracted and transported to base camp. The helicopter pilot greeted the member with a package containing all of his medications and a potentially grave situation was averted.

After the member was safely home, he wrote to thank Global Rescue:

“Please convey my deep thanks to all who participated in this effort to help me during this episode. I and the others in my hunting party were very impressed with the thoroughness of your efforts, your commitment and, perhaps most important personally, the support and comfort that you gave to my family. I will remain a Global Rescue client and will laud your capabilities and performance at every opportunity. Thanks again.”

Denis Karnosky, October 2012