Safety in the Mountains

Important Information for Trekkers and Mountaineers

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

If you are not feeling well above 2,500 m, it may be AMS until proven otherwise.

Early symptoms of AMS include:

• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Fatigue on minimal exertion
• Dizziness 

What to do if you have AMS?

• Don’t go higher, rest, and drink fluids (not alcohol).
• If symptoms get worse, descend with a friend.
• If symptoms fully go away, go up.
• Consider taking Acetazolamide (Diamox 250 mg twice a day).

Worsening Symptoms

• Severe headache
• Vomiting
• Walking like a drunk
• Altered mental status
• Severe fatigue
• Shortness of breath at rest

DESCEND! DESCEND! DESCEND!

AMS Preventive Measures

• Slow and gradual ascend
• Sleeping altitude should not be more than 300 to 500 m a day above 2,500 m from the previous night's altitude.
• Rest day after every 1,000 m of altitude gain.
• Drink plenty of clean water.

“ALTITUDE ILLNESS CAN BE LIFE-THREATENING”