High Mountain Air Rescue – Peru
High-Altitude Mountain Rescue Challenges
Andean Context and Reality
Peru is home to the Cordillera Blanca in Ancash, featuring dozens of peaks exceeding 6,000 meters, including the imposing Nevado Huascarán (6,768 m). Other prominent ranges include the Cordillera Vilcanota in Cusco (Ausangate) and the Cordillera Volcánica in Arequipa (Coropuna).
Each year, thousands of mountaineers, climbers, and tourists visit these highly exposed environments. Currently, Peru lacks a permanent and specialized aerial capability designed for high-altitude mountain rescues.
Problem Statement
Emergencies on Nevado Huascarán and Andean massifs present unique operational challenges that cause delays of hours or days in ground rescues:
- Critical operations above 5,000 and 6,000 meters of altitude.
- Severe pathologies: High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), and hypothermia.
- Technical rescue in glaciers, avalanches, and deep crevasse falls.
- Extreme weather conditions and terrain inaccessible to conventional vehicles.
Main Peaks of the National SAR System
Nevado Huascarán Sur
6,768 mRegion: Ancash (Cordillera Blanca)
The highest mountain in Peru. Critical history of avalanches, crevasse falls, and complex large-scale rescues.
Nevado Alpamayo
5,947 mRegion: Ancash (Cordillera Blanca)
Considered one of the most beautiful mountains in the world. Frequent accidents due to serac collapses and extreme slopes.
Nevado Ausangate
6,384 mRegion: Cusco (Cordillera Vilcanota)
Highest peak in southern Peru. Frequent setting for long-duration operations due to hypothermia and altitude sickness.
Nevado Coropuna
6,425 mRegion: Arequipa (Cordillera Volcánica)
The highest volcano in Peru. Complex area for medical evacuations and long-distance SAR operations.
Nevado Tocllaraju
6,034 mRegion: Ancash (Cordillera Blanca)
Constant record of technical incidents and rescues during peak mountaineering seasons.
Volcán Misti & Chachani
5,822 mRegion: Arequipa
Highly visited by hikers, with frequent incidents due to disorientation, dehydration, and acute mountain sickness.
Project Components
Acquisition or Donation
International incorporation of a specialized helicopter with SAR certification and HEMS configuration.
Pilot Training
Rigorous training in mountain aerial operations under extreme "Hot and High" conditions.
Specialized Rescuers
Advanced program for technical brigades in glacier rescue, vertical walls, and avalanches.
Permanent Base in Huaraz
Implementation of a centralized operational base for immediate deployment in the Cordillera Blanca.
Support and Maintenance
Permanent aeronautical logistic maintenance program to guarantee high operational availability.
Aircraft Technical Capabilities
To ensure an effective response, a certified twin-engine platform with high performance is required to operate above 6,700 m a.s.l.
- Superior performance in "Hot and High" conditions
- Certified rescue hoist and cargo hook
- Full MEDEVAC configuration and rapid reconfiguration
- Advanced IFR/VFR avionics with NVG (night vision) compatibility
- Satellite communications and international SAR standards
Recommended Platform
Airbus H145 D3 / H145M
Leveraging experience in alpine rescues in Europe. Stands out for high maneuverability, high-altitude performance, and optimal operating costs.
Evaluated alternatives: Leonardo AW169 / AW139Strategic Alliance & Specialized High-Altitude Insurance
In cooperation with Bergrettung Tirol (Austria), we are promoting the first project alongside Asociación Socorro Andino Peruano (S.A.P.) and Global Mountain Rescue. We promote specialized insurance for expeditions exceeding Nevado Huascarán (6,768 m), with coverage of up to €30,000 to guarantee the sustainability of rescue operations.
Technical Team & International Coordination
Mag. Ekkehard Wimmer
State DirectorBergrettung Tirol, Austria
Claudia Greier
General AdministrationHeadquarter Bergrettung Tirol
Markus Prechtl
International CoordinatorAustria
Florian Wechselberger
Heli-Tactical SAR InstructorÖAMTC Flugrettung