Medical & Emergency Support

All GELCO groups are well equipped to deal with any emergencies that may arise in the field. All participants are required to have insurance to cover full Greenland expedition evacuation for medical reasons – this can be provided as part of your package with GELCO.

Communication

Every expedition carries a satellite phone, marine & airband VHF radios and an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB). This ensures that there is back-up in the event of an emergency. The satellite phone will be used to receive regular weather updates. GELCO’s staff at Constable Point will keep track of where the expedition is and have regular scheduled calls with the expedition leader.

Emergency Evacuation

If evacuation is required in a medical emergency, this will most likely be with the helicopter permanently stationed at Constable Point, or a ski-equipped Twin Otter plane. These evacuations are organised by the Greenland Police, liasing with GELCO. As with any other mountain environment, this is weather dependent and delays of several days may occur. Clients must therefore accept and acknowledge this risk in their booking application.

Local Hospital

The village of Ittoqqortoormitt, around 50km south of Constable Point, has a small hospital with a doctor or nurse present. They are able to deal with minor injuries. Any more serious conditions will require evacuation to Iceland.