Challenging Medical Evacuation from Skardu to Munich

Redstar Aviation never shies away from a challenge, whether it is medical, geographical, or logistical. Often the number one choice for the most demanding transport, Redstar Aviation recently performed another critical medical evacuation of a 33-year-old male patient who sustained a proximal femur fracture following a paragliding accident in Skardu, Pakistan.

The patient, an otherwise healthy individual with no comorbidities, experienced a severe paragliding accident on the 28th of May, resulting in a fracture of the right femur. Femur fractures cause immediate immobilization and severe pain, necessitating urgent medical intervention, which is why the patient was initially admitted to a local hospital in Skardu for diagnostic imaging and symptomatic management.

Due to the severity of his injury and the need for specialized surgical intervention, it was determined by the local team and the patient’s assistance company that the patient needed to be transferred to Munich as soon as possible.

With that, Redstar Aviation sprang into action. Leveraging Redstar Aviation’s extensive network and highly skilled team, the first task was to ensure that flight operations could be safely performed, considering the location. The mission required detailed planning, including a study of the terrain, aircraft performance at high altitudes and temperatures, emergency procedures specific to the region, and thorough coordination with the Airport and Air Traffic Controlling authorities. Comprehensive briefings among the flight and medical crew ensured a focus on flight safety throughout the operation.

Skardu, located in the Karakoram range, is a renowned destination for mountaineers and climbers, attracting adventurers from all over the world to its challenging peaks, including K2, the world’s second-highest mountain. However, the region’s extreme conditions often necessitate urgent medical evacuations for patients who fall sick or get injured.

Historically, air transportation in Skardu has been challenging due to its mountainous terrain and unpredictable weather. Until recently, only the Pakistan Military and Pakistan Air Force operated in the region, making rescues difficult. Even Skardu Airport, built in 1949, operates flights only during clear weather conditions and daytime to this day – which further complicates any evacuation efforts.

However, thanks to the experienced team at Redstar Aviation, the mission could be swiftly confirmed, and Redstar Aviation’s Challenger 605 took off towards Pakistan. Upon arrival, the crew confirmed the patient’s status and prepared everything for the mission.

In the early morning of the next day, the patient was brought to the tarmac by a local ground ambulance team in Skardu. Redstar Aviation’s medical crew met the patient and efficiently transferred him into the Challenger 605. Despite the patient’s immobilized condition, the transfer was executed without any complications due to the advanced loading systems in the aircraft.

Throughout the flight, the medical crew closely monitored the patient’s vital signs, ensuring they remained stable. Various pain medications were administered to manage the patient’s pain levels, making the long-haul flight as comfortable as possible. After nearly 12 hours, the mission concluded with the patient being handed over to the receiving ground ambulance team in Munich. Remarkably, the patient arrived in optimal health condition with a pain level of 0, ready for the required surgical procedure.

A truly unique and challenging case, highlighted by the fact that only recent advancements have significantly improved the situation, allowing for better evacuations. Private airlines now operate from Skardu Airport under special procedures and with dedicated training for air crews, approved by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority. On the 14th of August 2023, commercial airlines operated the first international flight from Dubai to Skardu, while Redstar Aviation operated the first medical evacuation flight from Skardu on August 2, 2022, one year earlier.

This case is another testament to Redstar Aviation’s “standing out from the crowd” approach and going above and beyond in even the most challenging and demanding environments. It proves that Redstar Aviation truly is a company like no other.

You can view the full version of RedstarMag here!