A few months ago I had the opportunity to attend a Wilderness Medicine Conference in Bozeman Montana where I met Howard Donner. Howard is not only a Physician but is also a filmmaker and established mountain guide. Howard delivered a great talk on high altitude emergencies that I wished I could share with my colleagues.
In the day of modern technology it would appear I can! Howard, on behalf of Wilderness Medicine, has produced a great 17 part your tube series on High Altitude Emergencies.
Key Take Home Messages:
AMS – Acute Mountain Sickness is a common physiological reaction to high altitude. Many people will experience it with a varying range and degree of symptoms. The best thing you can do is give your body ample time to acclimatize to altitude. You may also consider Acetazolamide to hasten the acclimatization process.
HAPE – High Altitude Pulmonary Edema is a build up of fluid in the lungs that will cause shortness of breath at rest. Decent is the best treatment, even 500-1000 feet will have a benefit. Consider oxygen therapy if it is available.
HACE – High Altitude Cerebral Edema is bad news. The key thing you are looking for is an altered level of consciousness and/or the hallmark lack of coordination. The most important thing you can do at this point is descend! Dexamethazone will buy you time but this patient needs to get off the mountain.
