While trekking in Himalayas, altitude
problem like Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS),
the most important issue to be considered as
there is always a real risk. Trekkers and climbers
are being affected to a greater or lesser extent
when they ascend to altitude over 3000 meters.
Altitude sickness is caused by the body's failure
to adjust to the relatively less available oxygen
in the air at high altitude. It is potentially
fatal yet entirely preventable.
Prevention and Risk management
Portable Altitude Chamber
( PAC): This hyperbaric bag is life
saving device is used to tie a person over an
acute crisis before descent is possible or pending
helicopter evacuation. After putting an individual
with severe symptoms of HACE or HAPE, air pumped
in with a foot – pump, when inflated it
converts into a high-pressure bag. Pressure
created inside the bag increases the oxygen
density and a person can improve rapidly.
We are pleased to confirm you
that in all our high altitude trek and climbing
trips we do carry Portable Altitude Chamber
along with comprehensive medical kits. All of
our trekking group leaders / guides have done
wilderness first aid course.
One of our client’s
feedbacks on AMS
I wanted to express my thanks to all at Mountain
Monarch for the excellent service you gave to
Nadine and me on our recent Island Peak trek.
As you know I experienced a severe case of High
Altitude Cerebral Edema at Gorak Shep and had
to be put in the Portable Altitude Oxygen Chamber
for number of hours, before descending the next
morning. The quick actions of the
trek leader and other MM staff, perhaps Saved
my life. They are all a credit
to your company. I would have no hesitation
in using MM again in any future trip to Nepal
– perhaps with the help of Diamox I will
one day complete ascent of Island peak
Greg Martin, British
Everest base camp Island peak trip 2007
