Re: [Philmont]: Philmont Altitude Acclimation

Altitude sickness cannot be dealt with by any medication. Acclimatization may be speeded up by Diamox. The symptoms of AMS can be "controlled" but the illness cannot be changed by drugs. HAPE & HACE may be slowed, but not cured until a drop in altitude is achieved.

James H. Moss

JHMoss@earthlink.net
303-807-2275

PO Box 16743
Golden CO 80402
  ----- Original Message -----
  From: smith.13@nd.edu
  To: Multiple recipients of list philmont
  Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2003 6:05 AM
  Subject: Re: [Philmont]: Philmont Altitude Acclimation

  Altitude sickness can be dealt with medication. When you get your physicals, discuss this with your physician. In three treks over the last 15 years, our troop has had two cases of altitude sickness. One case was handled by lightening the load of the sick person as much as possible, slowing the hiking speed, keeping hydrated. The second case was taken care of by medication that was brought from home. No one was removed from the trail. We are from Northern Indiana and arrived the afternoon on our arrival date all three times.

  Other than altitude sickness, the crews just did the trek, getting use to the thinner air as they went. They all did O.K. You plan may be a great idea. I personally see no need to over react to the issue and get to the mountains more than a few days ahead of time. Others may disagree me.

  At 9/17/2003 07:25 AM, you wrote:

    Our Troop is currently planning an August 2004 trek and there is a question regarding the amount of time that should be allocated for the crew members and adult advisors to become acclimated to the 6000+ ft altitude since we live virtually at sea level.
     
    The planning coordinator is allowing 48 hours (which is about the same as he did for our 2001 trek). One adult advisor had to be removed from the trail on the 2001 trek due to inadequate time at altitude (he later rejoined his crew after 3 days at the base camp).
  ----------------------------------
  Roman J. Smith
  Organizational Representative Pack & Troop 505
  roman.j.smith.13@nd.edu

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Received on Wed Sep 17 10:33:37 2003