What happens in case of emergency ?

HSA is prepared for any emergency situation and knows how to handle it. Emergency situations can arise due to the challenging terrain, high altitudes, or unforeseen health issues. However, the trek is well-supported, and there are several protocols in place to ensure trekkers’ safety. Here’s an overview of what happens in case of an emergency during the trek:

1. Altitude-Related Issues (e.g., Acute Mountain Sickness – AMS)

• Prevention and Awareness: Before embarking on the trek, guides provide essential briefings on Altitude Sickness and its symptoms. Trekkers are advised to ascend slowly to allow for proper acclimatization.
• Symptoms: AMS can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath. If symptoms occur, trekkers are advised to halt their ascent, rest, and descend to a lower altitude.
• Immediate Action: Guides are trained in first aid and will evaluate the situation. If symptoms are severe, trekkers may need to descend immediately.
• Evacuation: In extreme cases, such as if a trekker develops severe AMS or High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) or High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), evacuation may be required.
  • Helicopter Evacuation: If a trekker’s condition does not improve with rest and they are unable to descend on foot, or  helicopter evacuation can be  arranged to a lower-altitude where medical facility available Helicopter evacuation can be quite costly, so travel insurance is recommended to cover these expenses.