A fantastic rescue ! This story is interesting because it answers for me why some people climb mountains, placing themselves at great risk. I have always wondered why and what they felt after doing so. I have wondered as well, what people who have had such a close encounter with death think and feel after they survive. It will be interesting to know (a follow up) what Takac will do with his new chance at life. Will he continue to climb ? Will he return to Alaska at some point ? What of his personal life, did he makes changes there ?
As a trauma surgeon, he must have saved many lives himself and perhaps it is because of that, that the fates deemed him one who needed to continue live, his work is not over, he can save more lives. 
Dermit Cole should have found out more about Takac's health insurance because it must be pretty good to pay for a medical escort and flying in Business Class too ! Something that could be included into the Republican's health insurance plan.