How to Treat Severe Altitude Illness

Severe altitude illness is life-threatening and should be treated immediately.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Assess for severe altitude illness (see "How to Assess Altitude Illness"), and if you suspect it, treat with the following steps.

2. Descend immediately at least 2,000 to 3,000 feet, and more if symptoms show no improvement. Don't wait at any given altitude for signs of improvement.

3. Administer oxygen if available, at a rate of 2 liters per minute for at least 15 minutes, using a snugly fitting face mask (not nose prongs).

4. Keep the injured person warm.

5. Refrain from all activity to allow the lungs to clear of fluids.

6. Hydrate well, especially with oral rehydration salts or diluted sports drinks. Urine should be clear and copious.

7. Loosen any constricting clothing.

8. Administer aspirin to prevent blood clots and alleviate headaches.

9. Administer the drug nifedipine (known by the brand name Procardia) if the patient exhibits chest pain, productive cough, shortness of breath and a rapid heart rate. Consult a physician.

10. Administer the drug dexamethasone (known by the brand name Decadron) if the patient has a severe headache unrelieved by medication; personality changes; or changes in level of consciousness. Consult a physician.

11. Put the patient in a Gamov Bag if - and only if - descent is delayed. This is a portable hyperbaric chamber that simulates descent, and the patient should be removed from it only after descending.

Tips & Warnings

• Severe altitude illness can kill. Treat cases of mild altitude illness immediately to prevent their developing into severe altitude illness.
• Avoid any medications with sedatives in them, such as sleeping pills, cold medicines and antihistamines.
• Descend immediately and rapidly if any of the signs and symptoms of severe altitude illness are present.
• People with altitude illness suffer from impaired judgment and will need others to assess their condition and make decisions for them. Be especially careful if the afflicted person is a physician, guide or has more training or experience than you do - trust your own judgment, not his.
• This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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