Information for Trekker and Mountaineers to keep them safe from Mountain casualties. Trekkers and Mountaineers suffer from Acute Mountain Sickness which is also known as altitude sickness. This is common in mountains but may be dangerous so This post is all about Acute Mountain Sickness .
Table of Contents
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
If you are not feeling well above 2,500 m, it may be AMS until proven otherwise.
Early symptoms of AMS include:
1. Headache
2. Loss of appetite
3. Nausea
4. Fatigue on minimal exertion
5. Dizziness
What to do if you have AMS?
1. Don’t go higher, rest and drink fluids (not alcohol).
2. If symptoms get worse, descend with a friend.
3. If symptoms fully go away, go up.
4. Consider taking Acetazolamide (Diamox 250 mg twice a day). (as directed by Consultant only)
Worsening Symptoms
1. Severe headache
2. Vomiting
3. Walking like a drunk
4. Altered mental status
5. Severe fatigue
6. Shortness of breath at rest
AMS Preventive Measures
1. Slow and gradual ascend
2. Sleeping altitude should not be more than 300 to 500 m a day above 2,500 m from the previous night altitude.
3. Rest day after every 1,000 m of altitude gain.
4. Drink plenty of clean water.
“Altitude illness can be life-threatening”
Altitude illness can be life threatening . so Welcome to daily talk on Altitude Sickness at 3pm at HRA aid-posts at Pheriche ( Khumbu region of eastern Nepal) (4250m.), Manang (3550m.) and HRA Office in Kathmandu during spring and fall seasons.
For details, please visit www.himalayanrescue.org
The HRA is a voluntary non-profit organization . It is working to reduce casualties in the Himalayas of Nepal. It was founded in 1973 and now operates Aid posts along the two most popular trekking routes. One is located at Pheriche (4,250m) on the way to Everest and the other is at Manang (3,550 m), just before Thorung-la pass on the Annapurna circuit. Both Aid-posts are staffed by volunteer doctors during the two main trekking seasons, spring and autumn.
HRA also runs Everest ER medical clinic at the Everest Base Camp (5,350 m). It was established in spring season 2003. since than HRA-Everest ER is providing medical facilities to the climbers, support staff and visitors at EBC.
Himalayan Rescue Association Nepal
Dhobichaur, Lazimpat, Kathmandu
Phone: +977 1 4440292/ 4440293
In Case of Emergency:
Mobile: +977-9851086717, Narendra Deo Bhatta, Chairman
+977-9851033046, Prakash Adhikari, Chief Executive
E-mail: hra@mail.com.np, Website: www.himalayanrescue.org
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