Operational Excellence at Altitude: Iqarus’ Support of the HAC Expedition

Overview

An extraordinary journey to the roof of the world, supported by expert care and innovation

On 19 May 2025, the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) became the first mixed-gender team of British Army Reservists to summit Mount Everest. Behind the ascent was Iqarus, an independently managed subsidiary of the International SOS Group that specializes in delivering frontline healthcare in the world’s most challenging environments. Iqarus deployed an expedition-experienced paramedic and fielded Black Space Technology’s wearable health-monitoring kit, giving the climbers real-time physiological insight and on-the-spot clinical support from Base Camp (5,364m) up to the Death Zone.

Problem

Facing extreme risks in one of the most challenging environments on the planet

Everest exposes climbers to extreme altitude, volatile weather and rapid-onset conditions such as acute mountain illness (AMI), frostbite, and Khumbu cough. Conventional medical facilities are days away, leaving teams vulnerable if symptoms escalate. The HAC needed a self-contained, reliable medical solution that could:

• Detect early signs of altitude-related illness
• Provide immediate treatment anywhere on the mountain
• Maintain detailed health surveillance to guide critical decisions 

Solution

Combining expert paramedic care with cutting-edge health technology

Iqarus deployed one of our medical experts, Jason, a highly experienced SORT-trained expedition paramedic with 30 years of mountain and military experience, to support the HAC’s medical operations. He was embedded as part of the team for the full six-week mission, working alongside and in support of the expedition’s Clinical Lead, Dr Nishma Shah. Together, they delivered:

• 24/7 medical cover during acclimatisation rotations, summit pushes and rest periods
• Rapid treatment for diarrhoea & vomiting, Khumbu cough and frost-nip, preventing wider outbreaks
• A ready evacuation plan for severe cases, including IM dexamethasone, PAC access and helicopter coordination

Wearable Med-Tech

Black Space Technology’s rugged telemetry system captured peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SpO₂), heart rate, blood pressure and 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) without relying on internet connectivity. Data could be reviewed on-site and relayed to the wider Iqarus clinical network when needed.

Impact

How expert support transformed a dangerous expedition into a historic success

• Historic summit, safe descent: Two HAC climbers reached the top; all personnel returned without serious injury
• Risk kept in check: Early diagnosis and decisive care contained diarrhoea and vomiting, Khumbu cough spikes and isolated frost-bite, eliminating mission-ending medical evacuations
• Scientific value added: The team collected Global Atmospheric Plastic Survey (GAPS) samples between Camps 1–3, expanding high-altitude microplastic research
• Proof of concept: Black Space Technology functioned reliably above 7,000m, validating its use for future remote and military operations

By embedding specialist clinicians and proven tech, Iqarus turned one of Earth’s most hostile environments into a controlled operating area, demonstrating how targeted medical support can push the boundaries of human and organisational ambition while keeping people safe.

Words from the expedition leader on this remarkable achievement:

This summit represents the culmination of years of preparation and the determination of a remarkable team. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished, not just in reaching the top, but in doing it together, with purpose and professionalism.

— Major Simon Du Boulay, Expedition Leader, Honourable Artillery Company