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Warning-sign checks

Acute mountain sickness: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Confusion, inability to walk normally, breathlessness at rest, blue or gray coloring, collapse, or a seizure requires emergency action.

    Contact local rescue or emergency services, provide oxygen if available and safe to use, and descend as soon as this can be done safely.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt medical assessment if symptoms continue after descent, repeatedly return, or include ongoing vomiting, severe headache, fainting, chest symptoms, or unusual shortness of breath.

    These features may have another cause or may require treatment.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is vomiting and cannot keep fluids down
    • has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is appropriate after repeated AMS episodes, symptoms at relatively modest elevations, or uncertainty about what caused the illness.

    A pre-travel visit is also useful for people with heart or lung disease, pregnancy, sleep-related breathing problems, or a previous episode of HACE or HAPE.

The article also says

Mild symptoms that fully resolve after rest or descent often do not require testing.

The person should remain symptom-free before considering any further ascent.

Returning upward should be gradual and should not occur after severe altitude illness without medical advice.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Acute mountain sickness. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.