No Roads Expeditions - Kokoda Trekking Portal

Evacuations from the Kokoda Track are not like evacuations from places like the Milford Track in New Zealand or the Overland Track in Tasmania, Australia. Though most of the large villages have an airstrip, emergency evacuations are difficult. Issues may include getting the flight organised, possible restrictions in landing in the villages due to the weather, and the availability of medical assistance in Port Moresby.

It should be noted that, even if you have insurance which includes cover for medical evacuations from the along the Kokoda Track by aircraft, the weather conditions in some locations, may prevent immediate air evacuation. The pilots and aircraft typically come from Port Moresby and are very experienced, but even they cannot fly in heavy rain or thick fog.

Evacuation is a worst case scenario for all involved. No Roads hopes to avoid evacuations by ensuring you are as prepared as possible, reducing the risk of injury and subsequent evacuation scenarios.

Evacuation Considerations / Procedures

• Evacuations have occurred each year for seriously injured trekkers. No Roads Expeditions has an excellent record for managing evacuations and dealing with the low volume injured trekkers each year. 
• Evacuations for tired or "I have given up" trekkers is extremely rare as they are too expensive because they are typically not covered by your insurance (i.e. $3,000 per hour would be a starting price!!!). Don't even consider this as an option. You will finish!!
• The No Roads Expedition Guide will always have a satellite phone with them to call for help if needed. The first call is to your insurance company to determine if they will evacuate you given your current condition. This cannot be taken for granted. Remember that, with the assistance of a porter, people have been able to continue with sprained ankles and even fractured knees!
  
• There are well known locations along the Kokoda Track that support the landing of helicopters or fixed wing aircraft. No Roads will always aim to evacuate seriously injured persons from these locations (when possible) and if your insurance company has organised and tasked an aircraft to evacuate you.
• If the injury is not considered worthy of an immediate air evacuation by the insurance company, No Roads may organise for you to be carried (by makeshift stretcher) to the nearest village (forward or backwards along the track) or to an air evacuation point to await further advice from the insurance company. 
• Your insurance company always has the final say on your evacuation.
  
• The type of evacuation aircraft is determined at the time of the emergency by your insurance company and may be either helicopter or fixed wing aircraft (e.g. a small plane). Most evacuations over the years have been by helicopter.
• Emergency first aid will always be applied by the No Roads Expedition Guide when needed at any location. Emergency paramedic services would have to be brought in by helicopter for very serious injuries and this kind of service is not typically available unless your Insurance Company has arrangements in place for this to be available.
• If you are evacuated back to Port Moresby one of the No Roads Expeditions PNG staff will endeavour to remain in contact with you whilst your insurance company deals with the logistics of managing your injuries and hospital stay. 
• No Roads Expedition staff in Australia will be notified of your evacuation and the emergency contact number provided on your booking form will be used to notify your emergency contact.
• Always remember that the Kokoda Track is located in very rugged, remote mountain jungle terrain with rain, fog and bad weather a risk at any time. There are no roads, 4WD tracks or quick ways to get help to you unless it arrives by air or walks in.