High-altitude medicine

ZONE OF KNOWLEDGE

High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) if untreated can lead to loss of consciousness and death, in severe cases even within an hour of symptom onset.

Insufficient oxygen can cause "brain swelling" and compression of its structures due to the skull's low elasticity. There is no time to waste.

Symptoms of High Altitude Cerebral Edema include: severe headache; balance disorders; behavioral changes, aggression, lethargy; severe, persistent vomiting; visual, auditory, and sensory disturbances, disorientation in time and space; decreased consciousness, drowsiness, coma.

A person with High Altitude Cerebral Edema usually exhibits several of the above symptoms. A simple method to confirm coordination impairments is the finger-nose or heel-to-toe test.

A detailed description of tests to confirm the diagnosis of High Altitude Cerebral Edema.

ASK YOUR CLIMBING PARTNER:

➤ (1) to close their eyes and quickly, alternately touch the tip of their nose with the index fingers of both hands with eyes open and then closed.

➤ (2) to walk heel-to-toe along a designated straight line.

➤ (3) to stand, close their eyes, and extend their arms forward without swaying.

➤ (4) to count down from 100 to 0.

If they have trouble performing any of the above tasks, suspect High Altitude Cerebral Edema.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT HIGH ALTITUDE CEREBRAL EDEMA?

➤ (1) Stay with the affected friend, do not leave them alone. Organize a descent of 500-1000m, not later, not tomorrow morning, do not count on the symptoms improving, they will worsen!

➤ (2) Provide supplemental oxygen or use a hyperbaric bag (if available).

➤ (3) Administer Dexamethasone (4mg every 6 hours [first dose double - 8mg]) plus protective gastric medication Omeprazole 1 tablet in the morning on an empty stomach.

➤ (4) Administer Acetazolamide (1 tablet every 12 hours).

➤ (5) If descent is impossible, continue treatment and organize a rescue operation!

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DO YOU WANT TO KNOWMORE?

If you want to better prepare health-wise for trekking or high-altitude expeditions, you can find the extended version of the guide in the ebook."High Altitude Medicine in Practice – a guide for trekking and expeditions" >>

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You will also learn practical knowledge about emergency procedures in the mountains in the online training."High Altitude First Aid" >> - designed for those planning trips to high altitudes.

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Detailed contents of the expedition first aid kit and precise instructions for preparing the expedition first aid kit and personal rescue kit can be found in the ebook."Expedition First Aid Kit – a complete medical guide" >>

ARE YOU PLANNINGA TREKORA HIGH-ALTITUDE EXPEDITION?

If you want to check whether your health allows you to safely participate in a trek or high-altitude expedition, it is worthwhile to take advantage ofa medical consultation >> ora telemedical expedition package >>

This way, you can assess health risks in advance, prepare properly for the trip, and increase safety while at high altitudes.

The company was established in 2004. The goal of MedEverest is education in the field of mountain medicine and the dangers of high altitudes. I deal with all medical aspects of staying at high altitude. I organize medical support for trekking and high-altitude expeditions.

Specialist Medical Practice Medeverest Robert Szymczak based in Gdańsk (80-360), at ul. Bolesława Krzywoustego 19F, NIP: 5841943576, REGON: 220148318.

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