{"id":16043,"date":"2026-01-23T16:09:56","date_gmt":"2026-01-23T15:09:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/merowayadventure.com\/?p=16043"},"modified":"2026-05-03T16:27:11","modified_gmt":"2026-05-03T14:27:11","slug":"first-aid-at-height-what-every-trekker-should-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/merowayadventure.com\/en\/first-aid-at-height-what-every-trekker-should-know\/","title":{"rendered":"First aid at altitude \u2013 what every trekker should know"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First aid at high altitude is absolutely essential for safety whilst trekking in the Himalayas and other mountain ranges exceeding 2,500\u20133,000 metres. Conditions at high altitude are unpredictable: lower oxygen levels, fluctuating temperatures, intense UV radiation and sudden changes in the weather mean that the body is forced to operate under extreme conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That is why anyone planning a trek above 3,000\u20133,500 metres above sea level should be familiar with the principles of how to act, how to recognise the symptoms of altitude sickness, and the basics of first aid. In the mountains, this isn\u2019t just theoretical knowledge \u2014 it\u2019s a skill that can save your health, and sometimes your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why is first aid at height so important?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At high altitudes, the body functions in conditions of oxygen deprivation, which disrupts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>concentration,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>motor coordination,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>assessment of the situation,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the functioning of the heart and respiratory system,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>cold resistance,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>emotional stability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The biggest risk is that health problems develop gradually and are often downplayed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That is why first aid at height must be based on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>monitoring of symptoms,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>early response,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>decisions made with a cool head, not \u201eon the basis of ambition\u201d,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>an understanding of the basic principles of acclimatisation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The main health risks at height<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. AMS \u2013 Acute Mountain Sickness (altitude sickness)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most common condition. AMS can occur as early as 2,500\u20133,000 m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Typical symptoms of AMS:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>headache (the most common symptom),<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>nausea, vomiting,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>loss of appetite,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>fatigue that is \u201edisproportionate\u201d to the level of exertion,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>sleep disorders,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>dizziness,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the sensation of \u201ewalking as if drunk\u201d.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What should I do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>do not go any higher until the symptoms have subsided,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>drink plenty of water (at least 3\u20134 litres a day),<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>avoid alcohol,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>to rest,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>optional: ibuprofen or paracetamol for a headache,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>if symptoms persist after 24 hours \u2192 descend to an altitude of 300\u2013500 metres.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. HAPE \u2013 High-Altitude Pulmonary Oedema (pulmonary oedema)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is a life-threatening condition \u2014 it requires immediate evacuation and medical assistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Symptoms of HAPE:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>severe shortness of breath,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>difficulty breathing, even at rest,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a cough with frothy phlegm,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>blue lips and nails,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a very fast heart rate,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201ewheezing\u201d whilst breathing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What should I do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Descend IMMEDIATELY to a lower altitude (at least 500\u20131000 m),<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>administer oxygen, if available,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>avoid exertion,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>call for help immediately.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. HACE \u2013 High-Altitude Cerebral Oedema (brain oedema)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most serious form of altitude sickness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Symptoms of HACE:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>severe balance disorders,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>confusion, aggression or apathy,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>slurred speech,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>hallucinations,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>uncontrolled movements,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>inability to walk in a straight line.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What should I do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Get down from the heights IMMEDIATELY,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>evacuate immediately (by helicopter or with local assistance),<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>do not leave the patient alone,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>administer oxygen or dexamethasone tablets (if prescribed by a doctor before the trip).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Acclimatisation guidelines \u2013 the cornerstone of first aid at altitude<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This isn\u2019t just \u201eextra knowledge\u201d. It\u2019s absolutely essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The 300\u2013500 m rule<\/strong><br>At altitudes above 3,000 metres, we sleep no more than 300\u2013500 metres higher each night than we did the previous day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The \u201eclimb high, sleep low\u201d principle\u201d<\/strong><br>You can climb higher during the day, but you come back down to a lower altitude for the night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Acclimatisation days<\/strong><br>For every 800\u20131000 metres of elevation gain, there should be a day of rest and acclimatisation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Consistent hydration<\/strong><br>At high altitudes, water is a fuel:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>3\u20134 litres a day is the minimum,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>water \u2192 electrolytes,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We avoid alcohol and drink coffee in moderation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Food<\/strong><br>The body needs calories \u2014 lots of calories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>carbohydrates,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>vegetable soups,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>rice, pasta, potatoes,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>hot meals, not cold ones.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A practical first-aid kit \u2013 what should every trekker carry?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On an expedition above 3,000 metres, a first-aid kit is just as important as your boots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A first-aid kit should contain:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Essential medicines:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>ibuprofen,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>paracetamol,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>electrolytes,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>medicines for diarrhoea \/ food poisoning,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>bandages and plasters,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>disinfectants.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Medicines for altitude sickness (after consulting a doctor):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>acetazolamide (Diamox) \u2013 as a preventative measure or for mild symptoms of AMS,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>dexamethasone \u2013 for symptoms of HACE,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>nifedipine \u2013 for symptoms of HAPE.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Additional equipment:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>NRC film,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>antibacterial face masks,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>nitrile gloves,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>energy gels for emergencies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How does Diamox work and when should it be used?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Diamox (acetazolamide) aids acclimatisation, but it is not a \u201emiracle cure\u201d. It helps the body adapt more quickly to low oxygen levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Directions for use (after consulting a doctor):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>as a preventative measure: 125 mg in the morning and in the evening,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>for symptoms of AMS: 250 mg every 12 hours.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Please note:<br>Diamox does NOT treat severe altitude sickness. In cases of HAPE\/HACE, the only treatment is to descend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The most common mistakes that cause health problems at height<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>too fast a pace,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>no acclimatisation days,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ignoring the early symptoms,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>dehydration,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201ethe drive to the top\u201d,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>sleeping too high,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>alcohol at high altitudes,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>no food, no energy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each of these errors significantly increases the risk of AMS, HAPE or HACE.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">First aid at height \u2014 a step-by-step guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. Recognise the symptoms<\/strong><br>Keep an eye on yourself and the group. Headache? Tiredness? Loss of appetite?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. Stop the march<\/strong><br>Never continue climbing if you have symptoms of AMS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. Rest and hydration<\/strong><br>Drink 0.5\u20131 litre of water + electrolytes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4. Assessment after 1\u20132 hours<\/strong><br>If the symptoms subside \u2192 approx.<br>If they\u2019re still going \u2192 don\u2019t go any higher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>5. The decision to disembark<\/strong><br>If the symptoms are getting worse, this is the only option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>6. Severe symptoms = cause for concern<\/strong><br>Shortness of breath, loss of balance, slurred speech \u2192 immediate evacuation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First aid at altitude is knowledge that must be clear, specific and put into practice immediately. In the Himalayas, there is no room for taking risks or ignoring the body\u2019s warning signs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Remember the three most important rules:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>always act early,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Never continue climbing if you have symptoms of AMS,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The only remedy for severe symptoms is to descend.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First aid at altitude not only improves safety \u2014 it also makes trekking more enjoyable, mindful and carried out with respect for your own body\u2019s capabilities.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Pierwsza pomoc na wysoko\u015bci to absolutna podstawa bezpiecze\u0144stwa podczas trekking\u00f3w w Himalajach i innych pasmach g\u00f3rskich przekraczaj\u0105cych 2500\u20133000 metr\u00f3w. Warunki na du\u017cej wysoko\u015bci s\u0105 nieprzewidywalne: ni\u017cszy poziom tlenu, zmienne temperatury, intensywne promieniowanie UV oraz nag\u0142e zmiany pogody sprawiaj\u0105, \u017ce organizm pracuje w ekstremalnym trybie. Dlatego ka\u017cdy, kto planuje trekking powy\u017cej 3000\u20133500 m n.p.m., powinien zna\u0107 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":15711,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-16043","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"acf":[],"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":1,"label":"Blog"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/merowayadventure.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG-20241031-WA0065-1024x768.jpg",1024,768,true],"author_info":{"display_name":"Paulina","author_link":"https:\/\/merowayadventure.com\/en\/author\/paulina\/"},"comment_info":0,"category_info":[{"term_id":1,"name":"Blog","slug":"blog","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":1,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":53,"filter":"raw","term_order":"4","cat_ID":1,"category_count":53,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Blog","category_nicename":"blog","category_parent":0}],"tag_info":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/merowayadventure.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16043","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/merowayadventure.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/merowayadventure.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/merowayadventure.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/merowayadventure.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16043"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/merowayadventure.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16043\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16050,"href":"https:\/\/merowayadventure.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16043\/revisions\/16050"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/merowayadventure.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15711"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/merowayadventure.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16043"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/merowayadventure.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16043"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/merowayadventure.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16043"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}