What we do during an emergency breakout in the Trekking?
Safety During Trekking in the Himalayas
Trekking in the Himalayas is not a cup of tea but it is a rewarding experience. However, it's important to keep safety in mind. One must know about the weather conditions, altitude gain, fitness, and other factors that can affect your experience. In adverse conditions, you are solely responsible for your well-being and must act maturely.
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Preparations Before the Trek
Treks are away from cities and medical help is not always easily available. Stick to certain trekking guidelines and tips to make the trek more fun and safe for yourself and fellow trekkers. These tips cover fitness training, packing, and health precautions before and during the trek.
- Start with a target of 5 km in 40 minutes.
- Gradually increase your pace by running at least 4 times a week, aiming for 5 km in less than 37 minutes.
- If you prefer cycling, target 22 km in 60 minutes.
- Walking is a great exercise to strengthen legs, burn calories, and improve heart health.
- Jogging increases lifespan, strengthens lungs, and helps fight obesity.
- Squats improve stability and strengthen legs, thighs, hips, and hamstrings.
- Climbing stairs is a cardiovascular exercise that increases strength and power.
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Instructions Before the Trek
A medical checkup before the trek is mandatory. Be honest about your health issues, previous trekking experience, and other ailments.
Medical Fitness Checkup Should Include
- Chronic diseases like heart conditions or epilepsy.
- Blood pressure and resting heart rate (<100 beats/minute).
- History of illnesses or drug allergies.
- Overall fitness and health condition must be good.
What to Pack
- Warm clothes, layers, windproof jacket, and extra clothing.
- A raincoat is essential.
- Footwear: well-fitted trekking shoes are highly recommended. Uncomfortable shoes may cause injury.
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During the Trek
- Stay hydrated: drink at least 4 liters of water per day.
- Eat properly: focus on carbohydrate-rich meals for energy.
- Walk slowly and steadily.
- Take walks around the campsite instead of sleeping immediately.
- Alcohol is not allowed during trekking.
- If you feel unwell, inform the trek leaders immediately.
- Encourage and motivate fellow trekkers at high altitudes.
Emergency Measures by Himalayan Hikers
Himalayan Hikers prioritize safety and have strict precautions for emergencies. Oxygen bottles are available on all treks, and pulse oximeters are used to monitor oxygen levels. In severe cases, trekkers are transported to the nearest hospital by ambulance, or stretchers are arranged to reach the nearest road. Helicopter evacuation is arranged if needed with government support.
Every team carries a high-altitude medical kit with essential emergency medications.
Safety Measures from Himalayan Hikers
- Medical kit including Diamox and Dexamethasone for Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
- Portable oxygen cylinders.
- Stretcher.
- Altitude Chamber for treks higher than 16,000 feet.
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Rescue Plans and Alternatives for Trekkers
- For emergencies, trekkers with severe illness are walked back with a stretcher to the nearest road and transferred to the nearest hospital via ambulance.
- Helicopter rescue is arranged in extreme cases with support from Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh authorities.
AMS – Acute Mountain Sickness
What is AMS?
Acute Mountain Sickness occurs when you ascend quickly (>500m per day). AMS can affect those who haven’t acclimatized, so it is important to ascend gradually.
Symptoms of AMS
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Dizziness
- Difficulty sleeping
Why Does It Occur?
AMS occurs due to low oxygen levels at high altitudes. Trekking in high-altitude Himalayas exposes you to low pressures and oxygen levels, which some individuals cannot tolerate. It affects all ages and genders.
How to Control AMS?
- Climb slowly and allow your body to acclimatize.
- Inform trek leaders immediately if you feel sick, dizzy, or fatigued.
- Do not ignore symptoms.
- If severe, descend as instructed. Medication can help, but descending solves the problem.
If AMS is Not Controlled
Severe AMS can lead to fluid build-up in lungs (HAPE) or brain (HACE), usually at extreme altitudes.
Remember: Do not ignore AMS. Life is more important than pushing yourself on a trek. Always descend if symptoms appear, even if mild.
In the mountains, your calm mind is your strongest survival tool.