High-Altitude Medical

HANDBOOK

Preparation before your expedition, including planning rescue logistics, allows you to stay calm in an emergency. Repeat like a mantra:

"Stay calm and don't panic."

SAFETY FIRST

In case of an accident, the most important priority is the safety of the victims and the rest of the group.

Whenever possible, choose a safe location to wait for help. Remember that assistance will not arrive immediately – waiting times may range from a few hours to several days.

BE A THOUGHTFUL RESCUER

A good rescuer is a living rescuer.

First, assess the situation, then gather the information you will pass on to the rescue services.

INFORMATION TO PROVIDE TO RESCUE SERVICES

When contacting rescuers, provide:

➤ Location of the incident

➤ Type of accident (fall from height, hypothermia, crevasse fall, etc.)

➤ Potential hazards for rescuers (e.g., crevasses, avalanches)

➤ Access routes to the victims

➤ Number of injured people

Contact the rescue services if they operate in the area.If not, an alternative may be helicopter transport to the nearest hospital. The sooner you establish contact, the faster help can arrive.

Tip: Before your expedition, determine how to contact rescuers. When reporting an emergency, always start with the location so that rescuers can find you even if the connection is interrupted.

CARE FOR THE INJURED

If there is more than one injured person, attend first to the most seriously injured, while keeping the rest of the group warm and protected.

Useful equipment:

➤ Thermal blankets – silver side toward the victim

➤ Emergency / survival sleeping bags

➤ Large black trash bags (for insulation)

➤ Survival shelter / tent

Minor injuries, such as scratches, can wait.

Life-threatening situations, e.g., lack of breathing, require immediate intervention.

Your knowledge from a first aid course taken before the expedition will be extremely useful here.

PREPARATION FOR HELICOPTER LANDING

If a helicopter is expected, prepare a landing zone:

➤ Mark a flat area – approx. 100 steps in diameter

➤ Draw a large letter H – use heavy, colorful objects (backpacks, rocks). Light items may be blown away by the wind

➤ Position one person outside the landing zone, back to the wind, arms raised, forming a Y-shape

➤ Do not approach the helicopter without crew permission – accidents often come in pairs

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WANT TO LEARN MORE?

If you want to better prepare your health for trekking or a high-altitude expeditions, check out the expanded guide in the ebook "High-Altitude Medicine for Trekkers and Climbers" >>

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Gain practical skills for handling emergencies in the mountains through our online training "High-Altitude First Aid" >> - prepared for those planning trips to high altitudes.

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 For a detailed list of what to include in your expedition medical kit and step-by-step instructions for assembling your personal first aid set, see the ebook "High-Altitude Expedition Medical Kit Guide" >>

PLANNING A TREK OR A HIGH-ALTITUDE EXPEDITION?

If you would like to check whether your health condition allows you to safely participate in a trek or high-altitude expedition, consider booking a medical consultation >> or using a telemedical expedition package >>

This allows you to assess potential health risks in advance, prepare properly fot altitude, and increase your safety during the expedition.

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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