Golden rules for novice climbers

Our latest UIAA MedCom advice article focuses on a less technical, less high-altitude related subject. Instead it is directed at general suggestions designed to guide those who are unfamiliar or less experienced with mountain terrain and who wish to hike or climb. This information is...

DEALING WITH EYE PROBLEMS IN EXPEDITIONS

Visual loss in the wilderness setting is potentially fatal. Firstly it may be a warning sign of a serious systemic problem and secondly the patient may lose their functional independence and ability to respond to objective danger. The issues discussed in the UIAA MedCom paper #20, Eye Problems...

APPRECIATING THE FULL PICTURE

The second in our series exploring a profound human passion for the mountains profiles Jason Williams, New Mexico-based mountain rescuer. Jason's skills and experience cover a wide range of mountain rescue sectors. He is a nationally-registered paramedic and obtained his Mountain Emergency Medicine and Rescue Diploma...

Challenges facing Kilimanjaro

In early August, the UIAA published an article promoting a paper produced by its Medical Commission offering climbers pertinent advice related to avoiding the perils of climbing Africa’s highest, and most famous, mountain. The following article, produced by a member of the Mountain Club of South...

Avoiding the perils of Kilimanjaro

The highest mountain on the Africa continent, Kilimanjaro, is one of the world’s most popular climbing destinations. As recent reports of fatalities sadly testify it also remains, often to people’s surprise, one of the world’s most dangerous. It is reported that approximately 1,000 people are...

CHILDREN AT ALTITUDE. ESSENTIAL ADVICE.

The second in our series exploring advice from the UIAA Medical Commission’s internationally recognised Advice and Recommendations papers focuses on children. The paper ‘Children At Altitude’ provides the conservative recommendations that should be helpful for mountaineers and physicians who are required to offer advice about ascent...