AceShowbiz - Since the debut of Survivor in 2000, several contestants have been forced to leave the game due to medical emergencies, some involving serious and frightening injuries.

The very first player to be medically evacuated was Michael Skupin during Survivor: The Australian Outback in 2001. On day 17, he accidentally fell into the campfire, suffering severe burns to his hands. The injuries required immediate medical attention, and he was airlifted out of the competition for treatment.

More recently, during Survivor 44, Bruce Perreault hit his head on a wooden obstacle during the first challenge, causing heavy bleeding. Although initial medical checks suggested he was fine, his condition worsened later that evening, forcing him to withdraw from the game for safety reasons.

Following the March 2023 premiere of Survivor 44, longtime host Jeff Probst revealed on his podcast On Fire with Jeff Probst that Bruce was invited back for another season. He returned the following season and impressively made it all the way to the merge phase.

Below is a detailed rundown of every Survivor contestant who has been medically evacuated from the game and the specific injuries or illnesses that led to their removal.

Michael Skupin was the pioneering medical evacuation case in the show's history. After his campfire accident in The Australian Outback, he was forced to exit early. Nearly a decade later, he returned for Survivor: Philippines, where he performed admirably, finishing in third place.

During Survivor: Panama, Bruce Kanegai experienced severe stomach pain and constipation for several days. After medical evaluation, he was removed from the game for his health but was able to return to the jury phase after recovering fully.

Jonathan Penner faced a knee injury during his second stint on Survivor: Micronesia. The injury worsened over time, and medical staff deemed it potentially life-threatening, necessitating his evacuation despite his wishes to continue competing.

Also in Micronesia, James Clement developed an infected cut that worsened by day 31. This infection forced him out of the game, but he was later able to serve on the jury.

On Survivor: Tocantins, Joe Dowdle was removed from the competition after medical staff discovered a serious leg infection that could have resulted in amputation without urgent treatment. His tribe had been concerned about the wound prior to his evacuation.

Mike Borassi was injured during a physically intense challenge called the Schmergen Brawl on Survivor: Samoa. After taking multiple hits and suffering low blood pressure, he was unable to continue and was evacuated for medical care.

Just a week after Mike's removal, Russell Swan fainted due to severe dehydration and low heart rate during an immunity challenge on the same season. He left the game on day 15 but returned three years later for Survivor: Philippines.

The first female contestant medically evacuated was Kourtney Moon in Survivor: One World. She injured her wrist during the initial challenge and needed x-rays. By day three, she was officially out of the game due to the injury.

Colton Cumbie, another player from One World, was carried out on a stretcher after developing acute appendicitis. Notably, he took his hidden immunity idol with him as a keepsake when he left the game.

In Survivor: Caramoan, Shamar Thomas suffered an eye infection after sand got into his eye and scratched his cornea. His condition deteriorated, resulting in his evacuation on day 10.

Also during Caramoan, Erik Reichenbach collapsed after tribal council on day 36. Medical staff diagnosed low blood pressure, requiring his removal from the competition. However, he was able to join the jury.

Caleb Reynolds, a Big Brother alum, was the first of three to be medically evacuated during Survivor: Kaôh R?ng. On day nine, he fainted from heat stroke after his body temperature soared to 110 degrees Fahrenheit, necessitating immediate removal.

Ten days after Caleb's exit, Neal Gottlieb was pulled from the game due to multiple staph infections that severely impacted his health.

The third medical evacuation during the 2016 season was Joe Del Campo, who left after experiencing a urinary tract complication that required urgent medical attention.

On Survivor: David vs. Goliath, Pat Cusack injured his back while returning to camp after a challenge. The severity of the injury forced him to leave the competition prematurely.

These medically evacuated contestants highlight the physical risks and unpredictable challenges players face on Survivor. Despite rigorous medical supervision, the demanding environment can lead to injuries and illnesses severe enough to end a player’s journey early.

Some players, like Michael Skupin and Bruce Perreault, have been given second chances in later seasons, showing the resilience and enduring spirit of those who compete on the show. Each evacuation story serves as a reminder of the harsh conditions and the importance of health and safety in this intense competition.