At the foot of the majestic Mount Qomolangma, tourists often face the daunting challenge of acute mountain sickness. This National Day holiday, a state-of-the-art hyperbaric oxygen chamber at the Mount Qomolangma Base Camp has become a lifesaver for many.
On October 3, a tourist suffering from severe altitude sickness was swiftly treated in the new chamber. According to a technology company invested in by the China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC), the tourist’s blood oxygen saturation soared from a perilous 44 percent to a healthy 97 percent within just 30 minutes. His heart rate stabilized at 107 beats per minute, showcasing the chamber’s remarkable efficacy.
“Blood oxygen saturation typically increases from around 50 percent to 80-90 percent within 15 to 30 minutes in the chamber,” a representative told Shangyou News, a Chongqing-based media outlet. “Tourists can significantly alleviate altitude sickness symptoms within half an hour.”
Launched in July, the hyperbaric oxygen chamber has seen an influx of 20 to 30 tourists daily during the holiday, nearly reaching its full capacity. Developed by the CSCEC, the facility was showcased at the 2023 Western China International Fair. It boasts integrated systems for air compression, drying, filtering, and pressure stabilization, along with an automatic control system that regulates atmospheric pressure, oxygen levels, temperature, and humidity. By simulating lowland conditions, the chamber offers a comfortable refuge for those affected by the thin air at high altitudes.
One visitor shared on social media on October 5, “No more worries about altitude sickness at Qomolangma Base Camp, thanks to the new pressurized oxygen chamber. The mountaineering environment is truly improving.” Accompanied by an image of the chamber and its slogan “two minutes from plateau to plain,” the post has piqued travelers’ curiosity and excitement.
Mount Qomolangma Base Camp, located 19 kilometers from the peak in Tingri County of Xigaze City, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, serves as the highest point accessible to ordinary tourists. It’s a crucial starting point for climbers and researchers venturing further up the mountain. At this elevation, the air contains only about 48 percent of the oxygen found at sea level, making altitude sickness a common and serious concern.
The introduction of the hyperbaric oxygen chamber not only enhances the safety and comfort of tourists but also signifies a significant advancement in the mountaineering infrastructure of the region. As more visitors flock to the world’s highest mountain, innovations like this chamber are essential in ensuring that the awe-inspiring journey to Mount Qomolangma remains a memorable and safe experience.
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Qomolangma's new hyperbaric oxygen chamber a lifesaver for tourists
cgtn.com