How does a Gamow Bag help?
The Gamow Bag works on the simple, yet extremely effective principle of increasing the atmospheric pressure around the victim. The increased atmospheric pressure inside of the Gamow Bag effectively simulates a several thousand foot decrease in altitude, without requiring the victim to perform any physical movement.
What is a Gamow Bag into thin air?
The Gamow Bag is a unique, portable hyperbaric chamber used for the treatment of acute mountain sickness (AMS) also known as altitude illness. By increasing air pressure around the patient, the Gamow Bag simulates descent of as much as 7,000 feet, thus relieving AMS symptoms.
How much does a Gamow Bag weigh?
Total Weight: 7.7 lbs. Bag: 4.65 lbs.
When was the Gamow Bag invented?
1987
The Gamow Bag is a useful device in the treatment of altitude illness. A portable pressurized chamber, the Gamow Hyperbaric Bag (Gamow Bag), was devised in 1987. The Gamow Bag simulates a descent in altitude.
What pressures are delivered by the portable hyperbaric bags available to climbers?
The bag is pressurised to 14.0–29.3 kPa (105–220 mmHg); the pressure gradient is regulated by pop-off valves set to the target pressure. It is primarily used for treating severe cases of altitude sickness, high-altitude cerebral edema, and high-altitude pulmonary edema.
What does Hape stand for?
High-altitude pulmonary edema
High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) is a life-threatening non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema and the most common fatal manifestation of severe high-altitude illness [1]. The pathophysiology, clinical presentation, treatment, and prevention of HAPE are reviewed here.
What is a portable hyperbaric chamber?
Portable hyperbaric chambers are designed as lightweight equipment to be used for emergency treatment of severe cases of acute mountain sickness (AMS), high altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE), and high altitude cerebral oedema (HACE). The devices must be inflated or pressurized by hand or foot pumps.
How serious is HAPE?
It can, and likely will, be fatal if it goes untreated. Temporary treatment can include supplemental oxygen, hyperbaric bag and dexamethasone. The best way to avoid HAPE, and most altitude sickness in general, is to take the time to properly acclimatize your body.
What is the prognosis of HAPE if a patient is not treated quickly?
In severe cases they become extremely short of breath at rest and drowsy. Coma and death can occur if HAPE is not treated quickly.