Gamow Bags, one of the most innovative rescue products for high-altitude climbers and trekkers, is used for the treatment of moderate to extreme altitude sickness. By increasing air pressure around the patient, the Bag simulates descents as much as 7,000 feet, thus relieving Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) symptoms. It is also used for treatment of life threatening High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE). Watching for altitude illness symptoms within a team is important, and early detection of symptoms, and through the use of a oxygen saturation meter can be helpful if not critical.

Gamow Bags are constructed of durable nylon and reinforced with circular nylon straps. A lengthwise zipper allow patients access into the Bag, and the four clear windows allow visual contact during treatment. The Bag is pressurized with ambient air to 2 pounds per square inch by use of a foot pump, powered by healthy partners, standing outside the Bag.

AMS treatment usually takes around 2 hours in the pressurized Bag, HAPE takes around 4 hours to relieve symptoms, and HACE treatment usually takes around 6 hours of Bag time to give patients relief. It should be stressed however, that Gamow Bag treatments for altitude sicknesses are used as a method of giving patients temporary relief. Gamow treatment will hopefully give the patient enough time to descend lower on a mountain under his or her own power—alleviating the need for a full-on life saving rescue effort by everyone on the mountain or along the trail. Descent to a lower altitude is generally recommended in most cases.

Many thanks to Chinook Medical Gear for their assistance with our medical equipment

For more information and background on high altitude illness, prevention and treatment, we recommend the following books:

Bezruchka, Steve. Altitude Illness: Prevention & Treatment. 1994. (Read this!)

Houston, Charles. Going Higher: The Story of Man and Altitude. 1987.

To purchase a Gamow Bag or oxygen saturation meter, please contact Chinook Medical Gear for more information.