Visitor experiencing dizziness rescued by helicopter from mountain shelter "Fisht"
In the picturesque mountainous region of Sochi, Russia, a 21-year-old tourist from Kalmykia found himself in a precarious situation while hiking at an altitude of over 1,800m above sea level.
The incident occurred at the Chernetskiy Pass, a popular hiking spot, and not at Yavoryovaya Polyana, where another tourist had been evacuated earlier. The tourist unexpectedly lost consciousness during the incident, prompting fellow hikers to provide immediate first aid.
Recognising the gravity of the situation, the hikers transported the tourist to the "Fisht" hut, where they awaited the arrival of a Ka-32 helicopter dispatched from the Russian Emergencies Ministry. The helicopter, carrying doctors and rescuers, swiftly arrived to assist in the evacuation.
The tourist was subsequently evacuated to Sochi and handed over to emergency medical services. He had initially felt dizzy at an altitude of 1,600m, suggesting that the high altitude may have played a role in his illness.
It's essential for tourists hiking in Sochi's mountainous areas to be aware of the common health risks associated with high altitudes. These include altitude sickness, high-altitude pulmonary edema, and high-altitude cerebral edema, which result from reduced atmospheric pressure and lower oxygen levels at high elevations.
Symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, and in severe cases, fluid buildup in the lungs or brain swelling, can occur. Factors that increase the risk of these altitude-related illnesses include ascending too quickly, overexertion, dehydration, cold exposure, and having pre-existing heart, lung, or neurological conditions.
To manage these risks, tourists are advised to ascend gradually, pace themselves to avoid overexertion, stay warm and well-hydrated, and descend to lower altitude if symptoms worsen.
This incident serves as a reminder for tourists to be vigilant about their health when hiking at high altitudes and to seek medical attention promptly if they experience any unusual symptoms.
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