During the bustling National Day holiday, a state-of-the-art hyperbaric oxygen chamber at Mount Qomolangma Base Camp emerged as a lifesaver for tourists grappling with acute mountain sickness.
On October 3, a tourist suffering from severe altitude sickness received immediate treatment in the chamber, developed by China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC). Remarkably, within just 30 minutes, the individual’s blood oxygen saturation skyrocketed from a dangerous 44 percent to a healthy 97 percent, while their heart rate stabilized at 107 beats per minute.
Since its launch in July, the hyperbaric chamber has been a pivotal addition to the base camp, accommodating 20 to 30 tourists daily during the holiday season, nearly reaching full capacity each day. The chamber boasts integrated systems for air compression, drying, filtering, and pressure stabilization, alongside an automatic control system that meticulously regulates atmospheric pressure, oxygen levels, temperature, and humidity. By simulating lowland conditions, it provides a comfortable refuge for those affected by altitude sickness.
A representative from the chamber shared with Shangyou News, \"Blood oxygen saturation typically increases from around 50 percent to 80-90 percent within 15 to 30 minutes in the chamber. Tourists can alleviate altitude sickness symptoms significantly within half an hour.\"
The positive impact of this innovation extends beyond immediate medical benefits. On October 5, a visitor praised the facility on social media, stating, \"No more worries about altitude sickness at Qomolangma Base Camp, thanks to the new pressurized oxygen chamber. The mountaineering environment is truly improving.\" This post, featuring an image of the chamber and its slogan \"two minutes from plateau to plain,\" has sparked curiosity among travelers worldwide.
Located 19 kilometers from Mount Qomolangma in Tingri County of Xigaze City in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Qomolangma Base Camp stands as the highest point accessible to ordinary tourists and serves as a crucial starting point for climbers and researchers. The region's air contains only about 48 percent of the oxygen found at sea level, making innovations like the hyperbaric oxygen chamber essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of its visitors.
Reference(s):
Qomolangma's new hyperbaric oxygen chamber a lifesaver for tourists
cgtn.com
