Rescue From Annapurna Trekking Area (MedEvac / Emergency Helicopter Service)

Step 1 – Emergency Alert Received (Immediate)

A distress call is received from the Annapurna trekking region via guide, satellite device, trekking agency, or insurance provider.

Key details collected:

Patient location (ABC, Thorong La, Manang, etc.)
Altitude and weather conditions
Medical condition and urgency level
Landing feasibility area
Step 2 – Mission Assessment & Clearance (10–45 Minutes)

Rescue coordination team evaluates:

Weather conditions over Annapurna region
Helicopter availability in Pokhara or Kathmandu
Flight safety and landing zone conditions
Air traffic clearance and route planning
Insurance / authorization confirmation (if applicable)

A go/no-go decision is made based on safety.

Step 3 – Helicopter Dispatch (As Soon As Cleared)

Once approved, a helicopter is immediately dispatched from:

Pokhara (primary base for Annapurna rescues)
or Kathmandu (for extended operations)

Flight route typically includes:

Pokhara → Annapurna corridor → targeted rescue zone
Step 4 – On-Site Landing & Patient Recovery (Variable Time)

Helicopter lands at the nearest safe landing zone (or hover rescue if required).

On-ground procedures:

Patient assessment by pilot/medic-trained crew
Oxygen support if required
Stabilization for high-altitude evacuation
Safe loading into aircraft
Step 5 – Emergency Evacuation Flight (1–2 Hours)

Patient is transported to:

Pokhara airport / hospital helipad (short cases), or
Kathmandu airport / hospital (serious or critical cases)

Flight path depends on medical condition and weather.

Step 6 – Hospital Handover (Final Stage)

Upon landing:

Ambulance transfer is arranged
Patient is handed over to emergency medical staff
Insurance documentation (if applicable) is processed afterward