MYTHS ABOUT ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS

(AMS)
Every high altitude trekker requires being conscious of ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS (AMS). We saw a lot
of trekkers coming and going, getting impacted by AMS and recovering.

People are talking so much that it is becoming difficult to differentiate between what is wrong and what
is right. We get to know about misconceptions while interacting with trekkers. They think some of the
myths so heavily that it’s hard to persuade them what’s correct. So we believe the best way to persuade
them is to let them learn through real stories. We’ve described some sad occurrences for every AMS
myth.

Let’s look at them as tales with a message that will shed light on AMS myth:

# IT CANNOT HAPPEN TO ME. I AM FIT!

This is a story of Rakesh Pant who was leading the trek to Stok kangri. The whole group was good. All
were sincere, attentive and strong. Amongst them was Rakesh Pant who was the strongest. He would
always reach the camp first, never waits for rest despite various warnings. He was not willing to
slowdown and wanted to complete as early as possible. He kept saying that I’m not going to get
exhausted, that I am strong; I can do it, without stopping. After a lot of arguments, he agreed to rest for
a while. While resting wind started blowing and despite a word for precaution, he was standing there
without covering himself.

Within a few minutes wind-chill hit him and he began shivering. He gave up, and was feeling fatigued
and have no strength to continue. He immediately rescued and taken back to the base camp to rest. If
he had slowdown and took rest time by time, he might not face such a situation.

In conclusion, be strong, be confident but be patient first.

# I AN EXPERIENCED TREKKER, IT CANNOT HAPPENED TO ME!

Dilip Singh is one of the senior trek leaders. He was going to Stok kangri once again but now as a
technical team member. He was super excited and geared up for route opening. Going up and down, he
did it all as planned. The summit route opening was exhausting ye he managed to clear the path. While
descending, he threw out blood. He knew AMS had hit him. But he wasn’t ready to believe it. He thinks
he is experienced; his body is experienced and kept wondering. Then he understands that however
experience one must be, the body needs rest.

No one should be harsh on their body and should start afresh.

# I SHOULD TOLERATE LITTLE MORE, MAYBE IT WILL GO!

There is a fine line between being tolerant and being ignorant. While tolerance keeps us going,
ignorance, on the other hand, forces us to tolerate something that will cause harm. A trek leader Pawan
Kumar recalls an incident where he had a hard time guiding a college group. First, their female friend got
sick with vomiting and headache but her oximeter ratings were normal. It was a false AMS call. While
everyone was looking for her, another friend was hiding something behind. He was not able to walk
properly. His oxygen level was near 60. It was time to send him back but he refused to go. But in the
end, he had to send back because of his worst condition. Both the cases were different.

Yes being tolerant can be stupidity in the hills where it is essential to recover every second. We’re trying
little harder because we can’t acknowledge that we’re sick when rest is fit. We just want to do our best.
So if we’re trying to tolerate more, AMS won’t go!

# I FOLLOWED ALL THE ABOVE RULES, NOW IT CANNOT HAPPEN TO ME!

Mountains are unpredictable. Some rules must be followed, yet there is always some uncertainty.

There was a trek where all the trekkers were doing well. Even the trek has maximum height gain of
14000 feet which was not much risk. Everyone was having a great time. But the early morning we are
informed that one of the trekkers’ conditions has suddenly been serious. Everyone got worried. The
trekker was immediately rescued to base village. Everyone was awestruck how could AMS even hit him.
He was well hydrated, his oxygen level was normal. He didn’t even complain about slight discomfort.

The only explanation was despite all the precautions his body was not getting acclimatized.

Now, all we can do is accept AMS open-heartedly and keep our confidence up. So, next time try your
best, follow all the principles to avoid AMS. Despite that, if AMS get struck, don’t ask, ‘why me’ just say
‘it is fine’, I will fight it now and come again!

# EVEN IF IT HAPPENS TO ME, I WILL BE RESCUED. I CHOSE THE BEST COMPANY!

There was a Malaysian trekker who was sitting in an awful condition. She was on artificial oxygen and
looked tired. Harinder Chauhan aka Bunty, famous leader known for saving lives, checked the trekker’s
condition and found her oxygen cylinder was about to empty. He immediately gave her one of his
oxygen cylinders. He suggested her to remove the cap and loosen the jacket. He also suggested the
people not to surround her and let fresh air reach her. She then started feeling better. Her team had
efficiently and timely rescued her to the road head. But to their dismay, the road was flown away by a
sudden rise in river levels. Hence, no transport was available. She was fortunate enough that Bunty
came on time and giver her oxygen mask.

Well, mountains are unpredictable, nature also is. Sometimes things are not just the right way.
Therefore, the only choice is to be cautious right from the beginning. However, how much money you
pay, how much experienced the staff is, whatever you do once the rescue has started, you really can’t
do anything if nature is not in your favour.