Helicopter evacuation

Helicopter evacuation (Heli eva) is one of the important modes of rescue during medical emergencies in high mountains. Trekkers, climbers and adventure travelers require Heli Eva in critical health conditions. Since high mountains have limited transportation facilities and lacks proper road, the heli flights are the ultimate means to transport the suffered individual to hospital. This article tends to give you detailed information about evacuation while trekking on high mountains. We also provide Heli evacuation service in an emergency. You can contact at +977 9808262524 if you need helicopter flight from different trekking routes like Everest base camp trek, Manaslu circuit trek, Annapurna base camp trek, Annapurna circuit trek, Kanchenjunga base camp trek, Dhaulagiri curcuit trek and many more trekking in Nepal, then feel free to contact us. 

What does Heli evacuation mean?

Heli evacuation is the rapid airlifting of ill trekkers/climbers/guides/porters to the hospital of lower elevation (Lukla, Kathmandu, Pokhara etc). Generally, when people ascending to higher elevation (above 4000m) feel difficulties in breathing and if their oxygen level drops below 40 then shifting to hospital is most essential to save life. If the health condition remains serious then immediate evacuation towards Kathmandu or Pokhara is necessary. 

The most common places in Nepal that uses Helicopter evacuation are:

• Everest region
• Annapurna region
• Manaslu region
• Dhaulagiri region
• Langtang region
• Dolpo region

The places mentioned above the trekking sites in Nepal that covers an elevation above 4500 m that lacks road accessibility on higher altitude. Therefore, airlifting is only the fastest mode of transportation to reach hospital. 

When to do Heli evacuation?

Heli evacuation should be done when we get most symptoms of altitude sickness. The lower oxygen level is the emergency situation that requires immediate evacuation.

The major reasons for Heli evacuation are: 

• Altitude sickness
• Accident
• serious health condition
• extreme weather conditions like floods, landslides and avalanches

Heli evacuation is not necessary in mild altitude sickness. Descending to lower elevation is perfect measure to feel better. 

How does Helicopter evacuation works in Nepal?

Helicopter evacuation works under the support of travel agencies, guides and lodge owners.  As soon as the trekkers feel uneasy the guide starts consulting with its company and arranges Helicopter based on the situation. The Heli evacuation cost will be ensured either from travel insurance or trekkers should pay the Heli cost themselves.

As soon as the sick clients are rescued, they will be transferred to hospital. After proper treatment they will shift to hotel. 

Is travel insurance required for Helicopter rescue?

It is not necessary that travel insurance is required for helicopter rescue but evacuation will be  very expensive without insurance. We always suggest trekkers to do good travel insurance to be in safe side.

Best insurance companies for Helicopter evacuation:

• World Nomads
• Global rescue
• Adventure care
• ASC360
• Trek Nomads Insurance

Final worlds: Helicopter evacuation

Helicopter evacuation is an emergency service for mountaineers and trekkers to shift in safest zone – hospital or lower elevation. It is required in case of severe health condition, natural calamities and physical problems. Having health insurance can minimize the costing of evacuation otherwise it will be expensive due to high fuel cost and immediate service. We always suggest to apply preventive measures and be safe in mountains to complete our journey without complications and early evacuation.