Why even seasoned climbers are at risk on Everest | ABS-CBN
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Why even seasoned climbers are at risk on Everest
Why even seasoned climbers are at risk on Everest
This picture dated May 26, 2003 shows an aerial view of Mount Everest. Kazuhiro Nogi, AFP/file
This picture dated May 26, 2003 shows an aerial view of Mount Everest. Kazuhiro Nogi, AFP/fileMANILA — The recent death of Filipino climber Philipp Santiago II while preparing to summit Mount Everest on May 14 has reignited conversations around the dangers of high-altitude mountaineering — even for the most experienced climbers.
MANILA — The recent death of Filipino climber Philipp Santiago II while preparing to summit Mount Everest on May 14 has reignited conversations around the dangers of high-altitude mountaineering — even for the most experienced climbers.
Dr. Ted Esguerra, expedition doctor for the Philippine Mount Everest Team, emphasized that no amount of preparation can fully guarantee safety on the world’s highest peak.
Dr. Ted Esguerra, expedition doctor for the Philippine Mount Everest Team, emphasized that no amount of preparation can fully guarantee safety on the world’s highest peak.
“The real challenge begins beyond 8,000 feet,” Esguerra explained.
“The real challenge begins beyond 8,000 feet,” Esguerra explained.
“That’s when oxygen levels start to drop drastically, and the body begins undergoing physiological changes.”
“That’s when oxygen levels start to drop drastically, and the body begins undergoing physiological changes.”
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He referred to the 8,200-foot mark as the beginning of the “physiological altitude zone,” where climbers experience significant stress on their bodies.
He referred to the 8,200-foot mark as the beginning of the “physiological altitude zone,” where climbers experience significant stress on their bodies.
“Once you reach 10,000 feet above sea level, your work must be done with caution. You can’t keep pushing yourself nonstop,” he added.
“Once you reach 10,000 feet above sea level, your work must be done with caution. You can’t keep pushing yourself nonstop,” he added.
According to reports, Santiago died after reaching Camp IV — a notoriously dangerous area also known as the "death zone," where oxygen is scarce.
According to reports, Santiago died after reaching Camp IV — a notoriously dangerous area also known as the "death zone," where oxygen is scarce.
“This is the zone where any illness can worsen quickly,” Esguerra said.
“This is the zone where any illness can worsen quickly,” Esguerra said.
“You must be in peak condition here. Philipp was fit, a dedicated outdoorsman who even completed a marathon while carrying a 15-kilo load.”
“You must be in peak condition here. Philipp was fit, a dedicated outdoorsman who even completed a marathon while carrying a 15-kilo load.”
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Standing at 29,030 feet, Mount Everest towers over the Earth like a third pole. It is roughly equivalent to stacking 11 Burj Khalifas, the world’s tallest building, on top of each other. But its grandeur belies its danger.
Standing at 29,030 feet, Mount Everest towers over the Earth like a third pole. It is roughly equivalent to stacking 11 Burj Khalifas, the world’s tallest building, on top of each other. But its grandeur belies its danger.
At such high altitudes, the body’s circulatory, cardiovascular, and immune systems are severely compromised. Add to that the fatigue of climbing, and the mountain becomes a formidable adversary.
At such high altitudes, the body’s circulatory, cardiovascular, and immune systems are severely compromised. Add to that the fatigue of climbing, and the mountain becomes a formidable adversary.
“When you’re extremely exhausted, you can develop pulmonary hypertension,” Esguerra explained.
“When you’re extremely exhausted, you can develop pulmonary hypertension,” Esguerra explained.
“That’s when pressure builds in the lungs. Blood flow backs up, breathing becomes difficult. This can lead to high-altitude pulmonary edema. Yan yung nakamamatay.”
“That’s when pressure builds in the lungs. Blood flow backs up, breathing becomes difficult. This can lead to high-altitude pulmonary edema. Yan yung nakamamatay.”
As of writing, Santiago’s cause of death remains unknown. A social media post of journalist and Santiago’s cousin, Emil Sumangil, says the family requests for privacy during this difficult time.
As of writing, Santiago’s cause of death remains unknown. A social media post of journalist and Santiago’s cousin, Emil Sumangil, says the family requests for privacy during this difficult time.
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Esguerra, who joined the Filipino Everest team in 2007, stressed that dying on the mountain should never be seen as a sign of weakness.
Esguerra, who joined the Filipino Everest team in 2007, stressed that dying on the mountain should never be seen as a sign of weakness.
“This is certainly true in Philipp’s case. He climbed not just for the summit, but for a cause to advocate for children battling cancer.”
“This is certainly true in Philipp’s case. He climbed not just for the summit, but for a cause to advocate for children battling cancer.”
Santiago’s climb was deeply symbolic, Esguerra noted.
Santiago’s climb was deeply symbolic, Esguerra noted.
“He always said the climb was for cancer. That was his mission. For him, Everest wasn’t just a mountain, it represented a dream. And everyone who climbs it brings a dream with them.”
“He always said the climb was for cancer. That was his mission. For him, Everest wasn’t just a mountain, it represented a dream. And everyone who climbs it brings a dream with them.”
For Santiago, mountaineering was immensely personal. And like many passionate professionals who hope to leave this world doing what they love, perhaps this was his path too.
For Santiago, mountaineering was immensely personal. And like many passionate professionals who hope to leave this world doing what they love, perhaps this was his path too.
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“I believe he found glory in it. He faded in the place he longed to be.”
“I believe he found glory in it. He faded in the place he longed to be.”
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