Helicopter Evacuation
When Every Minute Counts
When a person's condition, location, or the terrain makes a rapid extraction necessary, SAR24 can arrange and coordinate an air evacuation, provided weather, technical, operational, and safety conditions allow the operation to proceed.
Coordination may involve rescue teams, medical personnel, aircraft operators, authorities, assistance companies, and insurers, depending on the needs of each emergency.
When May It Be Necessary?
Serious Accidents
Accidents and critical incidents occurring during mountain activities or expeditions.
Falls and Traumatic Injuries
Injuries or trauma requiring rapid extraction from remote terrain.
Medical Emergencies
Medical situations requiring treatment or transport from hard-to-reach areas.
Hypothermia
Exposure to cold and environmental conditions that compromise a person's safety.
Unable to Continue
Injuries or physical conditions that prevent a person from continuing on foot without assistance.
Located Individuals
People found during a SAR operation who require immediate evacuation.
Glaciers and Snow
Emergencies on glaciers, in snowy environments, and in technical terrain that is difficult to access.
High-Altitude Environments
Emergencies related to altitude and the conditions associated with high-mountain environments.
From Emergency to Evacuation
Air extraction involves more than simply requesting a helicopter. The situation, location, patient, terrain, environmental conditions, and operational feasibility must first be assessed.
Emergency information.
Patient, location, terrain, and risks.
Ground, air, and medical resources.
When conditions permit the operation.
What Information Do We Need?
Contact the SAR24 Emergency Coordination Center — available 24/7 and provide as much information as possible.
Full name of the person.
GPS coordinates or last known location.
Approximate altitude of the location.
Description of the accident or situation.
The person's physical and medical condition.
Phone number, WhatsApp, or satellite device.
Policy details or coverage, where applicable.
Photos, shared location, or GPS track.
If you have GPS coordinates, a shared location, a GPS track, or information about the last known position, send it along with the emergency alert.
GALERÍA
Frequently Asked Questions
Does SAR24 Carry Out or Coordinate Helicopter Evacuations?
Yes. SAR24 can arrange and coordinate emergency air evacuations when the situation requires them.
Availability depends on location, altitude, weather conditions, visibility, helicopter technical capabilities, required authorizations, and operational safety.
If a helicopter cannot access the location directly, ground-based or technical evacuation to a suitable location for a potential air extraction may be considered.
Is Helicopter Evacuation Automatically Covered by Insurance?
Coverage depends on each person's insurance policy, membership, or search and rescue coverage.
When circumstances allow, SAR24 can coordinate with the insurer or assistance company to request authorization, confirmation of coverage, or a payment guarantee.
How Much Does a Helicopter Evacuation Cost?
Costs can vary considerably depending on the specifics of each operation.
For this reason, it is advisable to have coverage that specifically includes search, rescue, and emergency evacuation.
What Should I Do If I Need a Helicopter Evacuation?
Contact the SAR24 Emergency Coordination Center — available 24/7 immediately.
- Full name of the person in need of assistance.
- Exact location or GPS coordinates.
- Approximate altitude.
- Description of the emergency.
- Physical and medical condition.
- Phone number, WhatsApp, or satellite device.
- Insurance details and policy number, if applicable.
- Photographs, shared location, or GPS track.
What If I Have No Phone Signal?
In remote areas and high-mountain environments, it is advisable to carry alternative communication systems.
If the person cannot communicate directly, a guide, tour operator, family member, insurer, or emergency contact can activate SAR24 on their behalf.
How Long Does It Take for a Helicopter to Arrive?
There is no standard response time.
An air operation depends on factors such as weather, visibility, wind, altitude, location, aircraft availability, authorizations, and safety.
In high-mountain environments, an aircraft may be unable to fly or land immediately. For this reason, SAR24 may simultaneously consider ground-based and air response options.
Prepare Before Your Expedition
Good planning can reduce risks and help ensure a more effective response in the event of an emergency.
If symptoms are severe or progressively worsening, do not continue ascending and seek assistance.