Comprehensive list of medical materials to address high altitude illness (HAI), including acute mountain sickness (AMS), high altitude cerebral edema (HACE), and high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE).
Basic Medical Equipment
- Stethoscope
- Blood Pressure Cuff
- Pulse Oximeter
- Thermometer
- Portable Oxygen Cylinders
- Oxygen Masks and Nasal Cannulas
- Sphygmomanometer
Medications
- Acetazolamide – For prevention and treatment of AMS.
- Dexamethasone – For severe AMS and as a life-saving measure for HACE.
- Nifedipine – For treatment of HAPE.
- Salmeterol – To reduce the risk of HAPE in susceptible individuals.
- Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen – For headache relief and inflammation reduction.
- Ondansetron – For nausea and vomiting.
- Iron Supplementation (oral and/or IV) – To lower Pulmonary hypertension
- Phosphodiesterase inhibitors (tadalafil, sildenafil) – For those individuals not a candidate for Nifedipine treating HACE
Supplemental Oxygen and Related Supplies
- Portable Oxygen Concentrators
- Oxygen tanks
- Oxygen Regulators
- Oxygen Masks with Reservoir Bags
- Bag-Valve-Mask (BVM) Resuscitators
Monitoring Equipment
- Portable Capnography Devices – For monitoring carbon dioxide levels in exhaled air.
- ECG Monitors – For monitoring cardiac activity, especially in patients with pre-existing heart conditions.
Emergency Equipment
- AED (Automated External Defibrillator)
- Ventilators – For severe cases requiring assisted breathing.
- Rescue Sleds – For evacuating patients from high altitudes.
Miscellaneous Supplies
- Hydration packets
- IV Fluids and Administration Sets – For hydration and medication administration.
- Pressure Bags – To assist in rapid IV fluid administration.
- Thermal Blankets – To maintain body temperature and prevent hypothermia.
- Hyperbaric Chambers or Portable Altitude Chambers – For rapid treatment of HAI symptoms.
- Nutrition
Documentation and Reference Materials
- Field Manuals – Including guidelines on recognizing and managing HAI.
- Patient Assessment Forms – JTS Altitude Emergencies Documentation Form
- Lake Louise AMS Score card
Pre-Mission Education Tools
- Educational Pamphlets and Posters – On the signs, symptoms, and prevention of HAI.
- Training Videos – Covering altitude illness prevention and treatment.
Personal Protective Equipment
- High-Altitude Clothing – To protect medical personnel and patients from harsh weather conditions.
Prevention and Preparedness
- Acclimatization Protocol – Guidelines for gradual ascent and prevention of rapid ascent.
- Buddy System Implementation – For monitoring and early identification of altitude illness symptoms.
This list provides a framework for medical personnel to prepare for and manage altitude emergencies in prehospital settings.
For additional information including National Stock Number (NSN), refer to Logistics Plans & Readiness (sharepoint-mil.us)