A cutting-edge hyperbaric oxygen chamber at Mount Qomolangma Base Camp has become a lifesaver for tourists battling acute mountain sickness during the National Day holiday.
On October 3, a tourist experiencing severe altitude sickness received immediate treatment in the chamber, as reported by a technology company invested in by China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC). Within just 30 minutes, the tourist's blood oxygen saturation dramatically increased from a dangerous 44 percent to a healthy 97 percent, while his heart rate stabilized at 107 beats per minute.
The operator of the chamber, speaking to Chongqing-based media outlet Shangyou News, revealed that since its launch in July, the facility has been aiding between 20 to 30 tourists daily during the holiday period, operating near its full capacity.
Developed by CSCEC, this state-of-the-art 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 to regulate atmospheric pressure, oxygen levels, temperature, and humidity. By simulating lowland conditions, the chamber provides a comfortable refuge for those affected by altitude sickness.
\"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. \"Tourists can significantly alleviate altitude sickness symptoms within half an hour.\"
On October 5, a visitor shared on social media, \"No more worries about altitude sickness at Qomolangma Base Camp, thanks to the new pressurized oxygen chamber. The mountaineering environment is truly improving.\" The post, accompanied by an image of the chamber and its slogan \"Two minutes from plateau to plain,\" has piqued travelers' curiosity.
Mount Qomolangma Base Camp, located 19 kilometers from Mount Qomolangma in Tingri County of Xigaze City in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, is the highest point accessible to ordinary tourists and serves as a starting point for climbers and researchers. At this altitude, the air contains only about 48 percent of the oxygen found at sea level, making altitude sickness a common challenge for visitors.
Reference(s):
Qomolangma's new hyperbaric oxygen chamber a lifesaver for tourists
cgtn.com
