Trekkers should be aware that there is very
little in the way of rescue organization for
handling trekker's emergencies in Nepal. If
you are trekking with a reputable trekking agency
then their staff will be trained to handle most
contingencies. If you are traveling independently
then you will have to rely on your own initiative
to handle any problems. This is why trekking
alone is foolhardy in the extreme.
At all times try to be aware of the location
of possible sources of help, medical clinics,
police or army posts etc. Try to find out where
there are working telephones or radios as you
pass along the trails.
All trekkers should make sure that they are
covered by a suitable travel insurance policy.
This, at least, must cover the cost of a helicopter
rescue, which is the only practical way of evacuating
a seriously ill or injured patient from most
of the trekking areas. It is essential to leave
details of this policy with a responsible agency
in Kathmandu. Either your trekking agency or
your embassies are the obvious choices. Registering
your details and intended plans with your embassy
in Kathmandu is an extremely sensible step to
take.
In the event that you do have a problem, and
that problem cannot be solved with the resources
at hand, then communications facilities must
be located. Telephones or radios can be hard
to find and may be a day or more away from the
incident site. If it is possible to send a reliable
person for help make sure that a note is sent
detailing the location of the patient, the problem
being experienced, specifying what help is needed.
List what actions you are going to take in the
interim. Fortunately, these days, helicopters
are readily available, at a price, from Kathmandu
and Pokhara. If a message can be sent then it
is likely that a rescue can be mounted reasonably
quickly.