History behind the origin of Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA)

Founded in 1973, the Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to reducing casualties in Nepal’s Himalayas, particularly among trekkers and mountaineers facing risks like Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Its establishment was driven by Dr. John Skow, an American Peace Corps volunteer, who was moved to act after witnessing AMS-related deaths during a trip to the Khumbu region. Collaborating with Nepal’s Ministry of Health, trekking professionals, and medical experts, he spearheaded the creation of HRA.

Key Initiatives and Operations:

• Aid Posts: Seasonal posts in Pheriche (14,343 ft, operational twice yearly) and a permanent facility in Manang, staffed by volunteer doctors. Temporary posts are set up in high-traffic areas like Na Village (Rolwaling), Annapurna Sanctuary, Gokyo Trail, and Gosaikunda Lake during peak tourist seasons.

• Preventive Education: Publishes multilingual safety pamphlets (English, French, German, Hebrew, Japanese) based on medical research and experience. Daily lectures during trekking seasons emphasize AMS prevention, credited with saving countless lives.

• Healthcare Access: Provides free or low-cost Western medical care to locals and trekkers, occasionally extending services to animals.

Key Contributors:

• Dr. John Dickinson: Authored HRA’s first AMS brochure, gaining global recognition for high-altitude medicine.

• Tek Chandra Pokharel: Founding Chairman (1973–1978), instrumental in securing patronage and guiding HRA through its early challenges.

• Prof. Hayata: Funded the Pheriche Aid Post (1974) with over $50,000 and supported Japanese doctors for five years.

• Tasi (Sherpa guide) and Dr. Peter Hackett (USA): Partnered in 1974 to educate trekkers on altitude risks, preventing fatalities.

• Mr. P.P. Prasai (Chairman, 1978–1991): Expanded HRA’s infrastructure, upgrading Pheriche, establishing radio communications, founding the Manang Aid Post, and creating a Kathmandu administrative hub.

Funding and Legacy:

• Sustained by donations, merchandise sales (T-shirts/patches), and a yearly NPR 3,000,000 grant from Nepal’s Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation.

• Mountaineering expeditions often donate surplus medical supplies.

• HRA’s efforts enhance trekker safety, boost tourism, and support Nepal’s economy while delivering critical healthcare to remote communities.

Impact: No recorded AMS fatalities among those attending HRA lectures. The organization remains a vital lifeline, emphasizing prevention in a region where rescue operations are logistically challenging.

Chronological Summary of the Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA):

1. 1973

   • Person/Organization: Dr. John Skow (American Peace Corps volunteer), Ministry of Health officials, trekking companies.

   • Event: Formation of the Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) as a non-profit organization.

   • Location: Nepal.

   • Key Detail: Aimed to reduce casualties, particularly from Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), in the Nepali Himalayas.

2. 1973

   • Location: Pheriche (Khumbu region, 14,343 ft).

   • Event: First seasonal aid post established.

   • Person: First volunteer French nurse, Danielle Laigret.

3. 1973–1978

   • Person: Late Tek Chandra Pokharel.

   • Role: Founding Chairman of HRA.

   • Contribution: Secured patronage and navigated challenges during HRA’s formative years.

4. 1974

   • Person: Prof. Hayata.

   • Event: Donated >$50,000 for Pheriche Aid Post construction, equipment, and medicines. Supported Japanese volunteer doctors for 5 years.

5. 1974

   • Persons: Dr. John Dickinson (first HRA doctor) and Dr. Peter Hackett (USA).

   • Event: Dr. Dickinson authored the first AMS brochure; Dr. Hackett collaborated with Sherpa guide Tasi to educate trekkers on altitude risks.

6. 1974–1975

   • Location: Manang.

   • Event: Permanent aid post established.

7. 1978–1991

   • Person: Mr. P.P. Prasai.

   • Role: HRA Chairman.

   • Contributions:

     • Upgraded Pheriche Aid Post.

     • Introduced radio communication.

     • Established Manang Aid Post.

     • Created administrative/information center in Kathmandu.

8. Ongoing Activities

   • Locations: Na Village (Rolwaling), Annapurna Sanctuary, Gokyo Trail, Gosaikunda Lake.

   • Event: Temporary aid posts during tourist seasons.

9. Educational Efforts

   • Event: Daily preventive lectures during trekking seasons.

   • Impact: No attendee has died from AMS.

10. Funding Sources

    • Donations from organizations/individuals, merchandise sales (T-shirts/patches).

    • Annual grant: NPR 30,00,000 from Nepal’s Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation.

11. Legacy

    • Provides free/subsidized healthcare to locals and trekkers.

    • Collaborates with mountaineering expeditions for medical supply donations.

Key Locations: Kathmandu, Pheriche, Manang, Rolwaling, Annapurna Sanctuary, Gokyo Trail, Gosaikunda Lake.

Core Mission: AMS prevention, rescue support, and promoting safe Himalayan tourism.