On June 2, a client (43) on a guided trip was evacuated with a severe case of high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). The guides had contacted rangers about one of their clients who seemed to be exhibiting signs and symptoms of HAPE. Rangers conducted an evaluation and agreed that the patient appeared to be exhibiting early signs of HAPE. The patient was left in the care of his team members, who claimed they had the knowledge and supplies to treat him appropriately.

Later in the day, the ranger patrol stopped back by the team’s camp to check on the status of the patient. The guide team reported that the patient was in his tent and had been asleep for several hours. The ranger tried to communicate with the climber from outside of his tent, but he did not respond. Rangers opened the tent door and found him to be unconscious, unresponsive, and frothing from the mouth. The ranger team immediately put him on oxygen and treated him with altitude-illness medications. He eventually regained consciousness and mobility, and was evacuated from the 14,200-foot camp via the NPS helicopter. (Source: David Weber, Mountaineering Ranger.)

(Editor’s note: Both HAPE and HACE (high-altitude cerebral edema) are life-threatening conditions. A patient suspected of having either condition should be continuously monitored by someone with appropriate medical training.)