MOUNTAINEERING NEWS ITEM

Everest Death Rate Continues to Increase

SUNDAY, 27 AUGUST 2006

Mount Everest is the highest point of elevation on Earth. Despite the improved technology and a better understanding of the mountain’s environment, many people are still dying on Mount Everest.

According to Dr. Andrew Sutherland, a medical advisor on Everest expeditions, the main reasons for the increase in the number of deaths were the injuries and exhaustion sustained by the mountaineers during the climb and descent. But the main reason behind the high percentage of fatalities is altitude sickness.

Aside from altitude sickness, climbers also die from High Altitude Cerebral Oedema (HACE) and High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema (HAPE).

It was 53 years ago when Hillary and Tenzing climbed Everest to prove that it was possible to reach the summit with oxygen. In 1978, Messner Habeler demonstrated it was possible without oxygen.

However, the unofficial body count on Mount Everest this year has reached 15. For every 10 successful ascents, one dies and for anyone who reaches the summit, they have about a 1 in 20 chance of not making it down again.

It is not a matter of inexperienced climbers. It is just that climbers forget to think about their health. No matter what the reasons for the affliction is, whether its HACE, HAPE, exhaustion or injuries, the result is the same. As soon as the climber starts to climb more slowly than the usual pace, something is wrong. Your chances of not reaching the summit are highly increased.

Let’s take it from Dr. Charles Clarke who is a neurologist and head of the British Mountaineering Council. “Anybody who wants to climb Everest can do so. But climbers must be aware of the medical risks that they can encounter”.

For more information on this news story, please visit www.news.bbc.co.uk.

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