Himalayan Seva Expedition and Trek guides and trek specialists are trained in first aid and carry medical supplies to offer basic treatment for minor injuries and ailments that can arise during a trek. For emergencies, they contact professional rescue and medical service organizations for immediate assistance and, when doable, get the sick or injured party down to the lowest possible altitude.

Our guides and trek specialists are also highly trained to notice and effectively handle symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), better known as altitude sickness. Most health issues experienced by trekkers are due to AMS, which occurs when the body does not adapt well to the decreases in oxygen levels as altitudes increase. At sea level the oxygen level is 100%; as you trek to higher elevations, the level goes down. If you have ever been to Denver (a.k.a. Mile-High City, elevation 5280 ft / 1609 m) and experienced headaches, insomnia, and dizziness, it was likely due to the oxygen level being only 52%. At the summit of Mount Everest it is just 33%. The lower the oxygen level, the more stress on the body and the more likely the onset of AMS.

Most individuals experience no symptoms or mild symptoms of AMS when trekking to final elevations of up to 4000 m (roughly 13,120 ft). Mild symptoms include dizziness, fatigue, headache, insomnia, loss of appetite, and nausea, which usually disappear after acclimating oneself to the altitude for a couple of days. If symptoms don’t improve or if they worsen, then it is necessary to descend to a lower altitude.

If you have AMS, another symptom you could experience is Respiratory Depression. This slowing down of breath can be caused at any altitude by narcotic substances – alcohol, pain medication, sleeping pills, etc. To prevent the exacerbation of AMS and Respiratory Depression, refrain from using anything that suppresses respiratory function.

The more serious symptoms of confusion, convulsions, coughing fits, constant fatigue, edema, increased pulse rate, loss of balance and coordination, pain or pressure in the chest, problems with vision, rapid breathing and/or shortness of breath, severe headaches, and vomiting constitute High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), which can lead to coma and death within twelve hours. Constant and severe cases of coughing, fatigue, and shortness of breath can be signs of High Altitude Pulmonary Edema or HAPE, which, like HACE, can deteriorate a person’s condition to the point of death.

With both HACE and HAPE, immediate descent to a lower altitude (if possible) and advanced medical treatment are required. If you are on a trek and exhibit symptoms of HACE or HAPE, Himalayan Seva Expedition and Trek guides and trek specialists will get immediate medical help for you and, if possible, descend you to the lowest altitude.

AMS, HACE and HAPE can occur in anyone, but more often in individuals who have undiagnosed health issues and those whose level of health is inappropriate for trekking or insufficient for trekking to higher elevations. We recommend that you speak with your medical advisor and get a full physical examination and stress test before booking your trip and engaging on a trek.

If you do not typically get travel insurance for your vacations, we recommend that you do so as a safety measure before you arrive in Nepal. We also recommend that you select the “Emergency Helicopter Rescue” option on your booking form. Even though it is unlikely that you will need to use it if you are in good physical health and shape, the possibility of your getting sick or injured still exists; therefore, in the event that you are unable to travel, having this rescue option in place is necessary to transport you to a medical facility as quickly as possible.