Patagonia is a rough and rugged place with frequent and violent storms, strong sun, rocky terrain, and even snow and ice. It is a remote place with very little rescue infrastructure. Any injuries or evacuations will be performed primarily by our group in order to stabilize and, in some cases, move them to safer locations for transport to the hospital in Punta Arenas. It is important, therefore, for each participant to be aware of the risks involved in trekking in this remote park and adapt their actions to the environment.
The group will carry a satellite telephone for contacting local authorities in the event of an accident in order to mobilize the emergency care system in the region. Injured party members will be transported by horseback, depending on injuries, to the nearest trailhead where they will be put into a vehicle for the drive to town. Initial stabilization of serious injuries can be done at Hospital Dr. Augusto Essmann Burgos in Puerto Natales. Definitive care, however, will take place in Punta Arenas where there are several first-rate medical facilities.
In the case of serious injury on the trail every attempt will be made to provide helicopter transport directly to Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas. The weather, however, will determine if it is possible for these aircraft to assist in any emergency. Emergency helicopter transport is provided by the Chilean military in cooperation with Torres del Paine National Park.
