Mountain climbing is a great time to escape the day to day ordinary routine and enjoy the great outdoors. There are several options for the mountain climber. There are group tours and many other ways you can go on the mountain climbing adventure of your dreams. Still, when you are preparing for a mountain climbing expedition, you must remember that there are always dangers involved. Three such dangers include hypothermia, altitude sickness, and mountaineering accidents.

Mountaineering in Cold Locations: Preventing Hypothermia

When climbing in the mountains, one of the most important things is preventing hypothermia. Hypothermia is caused by an extreme lowering of your body’s “core temperature” as a result of being exposed to either too much cold air or cold water. An early symptom of hypothermia is shivering. After shivering, confusion can set in, signaling a decline in thought processes, increased speech difficulties, among various other symptoms. In order to prevent hypothermia, climbers should layer their clothing. Be sure to change your clothes if they become wet or cold. Consider mountain climbing with others and avoid striking out alone. Be aware of the signs and symptoms of hypothermia and use proper caution.

Altitude Sickness in the Mountains

One health concern that climbers must be prepared for is AMS, or acute mountain sickness. Also known as altitude sickness, most medical experts and climbers suggest that most people who climb higher than one mile in altitude will likely “experience some systems” of acute mountain sickness. Twenty-five percent of people who climb or travel over 8,500 feet will develop symptoms. As a climber ascends, oxygen levels drop in the atmosphere resulting in less oxygen in their blood system. This can lead to hyperventilation, water loss, respiratory alkalosis, hypertension, tachycardia and many other symptoms can also occur.

Accidents

Mountaineers are often exposed to the threat of accidents. Typical mountaineering accidents include avalanches, slipping, falling etc. Altitude sickness and hypothermia also create a heightened risk of accidents because of the confusion that it may bring about. To avoid them, be sure that you have your equipment and clothing correctly placed. Be cautious and maintain a clear communication with your climbing group.

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