This March, my son, who shares my love of adventurous travel, seized on an opportunity to travel with some classmates to Nicaragua to assist the Fabretto Children's Foundation in building a school and care facility in the remote mountains of that country. I had already planned to take the rest of the family to Mexico, so I knew Charlie would be on his own in Nicaragua. And, frankly, I found the prospect of that disquieting.
I decided to call Global Rescue. I did not have to work my way through automated phone systems, or referrals to online info. On the contrary, my call was answered by a person named Tom Stark, III. I told him of my concerns for my son. Tom was of great assistance. I signed on for the family policy. Tom then asked for a map of the locations my son would be at, his itinerary and flight information, including plane type, complete medical history and personal description or recent photo. I was provided with a threat assessment of the area, and I was told that logistical plans would be prepared in advance of Charlie traveling to the area (nearby landing areas, locally available equipment, guides, etc.). Tom went on to suggest that I provide him (Charlie) with a personal locator beacon, which Tom was able to get me at a substantial discount. He told me how to use it, how to set it up and how to register it with NOAA. Tom indicated they would be notified and on their way to the signal within 15 minutes of activation.
Tom also informed me of the personnel who would be available, the types of transport, planes, helicopters, trucks, that could or would be employed, where the medical advice and diagnostics would be coming from, what medical capability is........(continued)
