Rescues and Evacuations on Aconcagua
On Aconcagua there is a rescue team in charge of helping with any risky situation related to a medical emergency that may arise. This task is performed by the rescue team of the Mendoza Police Department. Its goal is to protect climbers on the Normal Route from Plaza de Mulas to the summit and to transport them to the medical service at base camp from where an evacuation is coordinated to the park exit. At Plaza de Mulas and Plaza Argentina Base Camps there is a medical team on hand during the climbing season to deal with any conditions that may arise.
Depending on the affected person's location on the mountain and the severity of their condition, they will either be transported by mule, by guides or by their climbing partners. Acute mountain sickness (AMS), mild frostbite, mental disorders such as panic attacks or exhaustion are all good reason for descending to a lower altitude. Our guides are equipped with radios, through which they can communicate with those at lower levels from any part of the mountain. There is 24 hour communication with base camps, park rangers, rescue services, medical teams and our administration office.
Many people participate in rescue operations such as Park Rangers, mountain guides and even other climbers who act as support people. If a person is seriously ill and there are no seats available in the helicopters they will need to be physically carried to a lower level. The natural geography of the park and the long distances between camps make such a procedure very difficult and the descent from a high altitude camp can be very dangerous for the rescuers as well as the rescuee. In case of an accident involving a fall or landslide, for example, the injured person will be transported off the mountain by helicopter. A helicopter will only be called in upon the referral of a mountain medic or Park Ranger who will proceed to coordinate the rescue. Sometimes such resources are not available, may take several hours to arrive or the weather conditions may be too bad to facilitate a rescue by air.
In the case of an emergency evacuation being required after a climber has fallen ill, a helicopter will only be deemed necessary if the life of the climber is in serious jeopardy. Conditions which might require the use of a helicopter for evacuation may be severe frostbite, either kind of oedema or heart problems. The helicopter will provide quick and efficient transportation to Laguna Horcones or Los Penitentes where the patient will be taken to the hospital in Mendoza by road vehicle. Climbers must be aware that any costs incurred in such a rescue operation must be entirely paid for by themselves. With this in mind, individuals are strongly recommended to take out full cover travel/medical insurance prior to starting their expedition.
