Beneficiaries
The activities of the Everest Rescue Trust are expected to benefit a large number of Nepalese people, climbers and trekkers. The benefits to climbers and trekkers are clear, coming from the possibility of being rescued at extreme altitude, something that has the potential to save many lives. The benefits to the Nepalese people however, are far more wide-ranging. They include (but are not limited to):
1. The Hangar and Facilities in Nepal
The Trust is currently in negotiation with the appropriate Nepal government authorities and village leaders to lease ground for the location and building of a specialist aircraft hangar to host the Alpine Wasp helicopter and base station in Namche Bazar. A training program is also in development to ensure the sustainability of the facility. Its principal sponsor, TGR Helicorp Ltd, will train and assist people from the local communities to man, operate and maintain the rescue facility. This training will be done in New Zealand at TGR's Auckland headquarters and will ensure that the rescue facility is self sufficient in Nepal.
2. The Administration and Management of Rescue Facilities in Nepal
A handful of dedicated individuals are currently working full time on various elements of the project in the Everest Rescue Trust's project office. Over the coming months with time and increased support through our stakeholder campaign, this group will grow significantly in number. The administration and management of the rescue facility will always reside with the Trust, and its aim will always be to provide jobs and opportunities for the people of Nepal.
3. The Sagarmatha Medical Centre
A clinic will be established and managed by the Everest Rescue Trust. In addition to addressing the general healthcare needs of the villagers, it will treat frostbite injuries and will specialise in replacement limb parts for those Nepalese that have already lost limbs to frostbite and accidents. A number of orthopaedic specialists, anaesthetists, and physiotherapists have already offered ten day periods of their services at no charge to work at the facility in Namche Bazar. In extending the limb centre to also include general healthcare, these experts will be expanded to include doctors, dentists, opticians and more. If the support response is anything to go by we will be booked solid over the months with visiting doctors, dentists and healthcare specialists willing to be involved. For all those that have already donated their time, we thank you all on behalf of the mountain Sherpas and high altitude Nepalese people.
4. The Sagarmatha Sherpa Shed
A clothing and frostbite prevention centre is planned for Namche Bazar. It will be run by village employees and will assist porters and Sherpas who do not have the correct clothing or footwear for extreme altitudes. It is hoped that this will, as much as is possible at extreme altitude, prevent these porters and Sherpas from getting frostbite, allowing them to maintain the jobs they need to support their families. This facility will not replace the responsibilities of trekking companies and expeditions to correctly outfit their local staff but the Trust will ensure the Sherpas and porters are provided for as its first priority.
5. Internet Facilities
Trevor and Glenda Rogers will also install satellite internet facilities at medical clinics in Nanche Bazar and Khumjung. This will provide village doctors and clinicians with the ability to track medical developments and source international advice and assistance when required.
It is hoped that with these programmes and others that may also be implemented over time, the Everest Rescue Trust can give something back to the kind and proud group of people of the high altitude mountain areas of Nepal. The Trust is commited to raising the standard of life for the high-altitude people of Nepal. We hope that you are too. If so, please Get Involved! and help the Trust to make these programmes a reality.
NZ Schools join global interactive campaign to learn about Nepal and Everest while following the Rescue on Everest Challenge at www.rescueoneverest.org
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