Rescuers' Story

[AnnieUpHigh]

Early last June, returning from Chasm Lake, I met a team of 8-10 RMNP rescuers at the junction, on standby to assist a heli rescue on the Longs summit.

They seemed a bit bored just sitting there, so I offered something for them to think about to pass the time:

"On a trip to Nepal, a person in my group collapsed, no pulse, no breathing, eyes vacant--classic cardiac arrest--just above Gokyo on a plateau (17k) below Renjo La pass. It happened while the person and the leader were headed back to Gokyo, after that person had complained of weakness and being short of breath.

So, if you were the leader, what could/would you have done to save that person, by yourself, out there on a remote mountain?"

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They all thought a while, asked a few questions like, "Is there an AED device?" (No) "I'm the only one there?" (Yes) "Any drugs available?" (No) CPR was the only action possible, they concluded, and also agreed that in those circumstances the person was most likely doomed before they hit the ground.

"So what happened?" one of them finally asked.

I paused a few seconds for dramatic effect, smiled, and said, "I lived--it was me"

For a moment, no one said anything--they all stared at me like I was a ghost, then-- "Holy s**t!!! Are you okay?"

"Well, yeah, I'm on my way back from Chasm Lake, so, yeah ... I'm here, I have a pulse, I'm very much alive."

We talked more details for a while longer--rescue/medical people love a story that has a happy ending, and mine certainly is. Out of hospital, in normal circumstances, only about 8% survive cardiac arrest, 6% with full neurological function. At 17k in remote Himalayas? Close to 0%.

Last October 2016, I returned to Nepal, and this time crossed the Renjo La, and stood on the rock I was propped against waiting for the helicopter. Psychologically, it was essential for me to go back where it happened ... to literally "get past it." Emotionally, physically, it was a big challenge.

The next day, exactly one year from when "it" happened, I climbed Gokyo Ri and watched the most amazing sunset I'd ever seen. First one, then hundreds, then billions of giant stars filled the sky. When I saw the brilliance of the Milky Way illuminate Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyo, Makalu in the distance, I just sobbed from joy such as I have never experienced.

I lived ...

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Matt Parkes is an amazing human being--he's an experienced mountaineer working with Jagged Globe in the UK. His quick, courageous action saved my life.

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He heard my ribs crack during the first set of compressions. After the second, he heard a sudden rush, an intake of air. I gasped for almost an hour with an oxygen debt that, at that altitude, having not taken a breath for two minutes, I couldn't repay on my own. A different Jagged Globe group came by and Matt found an O2 tank in a bag on one of their yaks, but no mask. Several minutes later, the sirdar approached--the mask was in his pack. It was five hours before Matt and I finally got to Kathmandu--the weather was bad, so there were delays--he feared I'd run out of oxygen. Actually, when the chopper stopped at Lukla for weather check, the pilot didn't want to fly, but Matt insisted, knowing I'd likely not survive the night. Matt returned to the area the next day to ultimately led a difficult expedition up Kyajo Ri. Dr. Om confirmed I'd experienced a heart attack, resulting in sudden cardiac arrest, and did a successful procedure to place stents in three (80,85,90%) blocked arteries. Who knew?

Matt is my hero forever and ever and ever. A heartbeat, what a wonderful thing.

[Derby Ale]

Thanks for sharing your awesome survival story!

[Mtnman200]

Wow! Thanks for sharing. Any residual effects or issues?

[AnnieUpHigh]

Wow! Thanks for sharing. Any residual effects or issues?

During healing process I had arrhythmia problems, but that went away after a few months. With three arteries now open, the effort seems so much easier. Go figure ...

Most significant residual effect is increased addition to mountain experiences.

[spiderman]

What a great story. I am glad that you had somebody who knew CPR and got you back to life. I looked up the stats and 46% of people who have cardiac arrest outside of the hospital live if bystanders perform CPR. It is such a crucial skill that should be taught to everyone. Survival rates drop down to your quoted ~8% when there is nobody around to start doing CPR. Perhaps you are right that your chance of living was quite low since you were so far away from medical attention; I am no doctor. Nevertheless we should all be aware of signs of heart attacks and strokes and be prepared to give CPR if necessary.

[AnnieUpHigh]

What a great story. I am glad that you had somebody who knew CPR and got you back to life. I looked up the stats and 46% of people who have cardiac arrest outside of the hospital live if bystanders perform CPR. It is such a crucial skill that should be taught to everyone. Survival rates drop down to your quoted ~8% when there is nobody around to start doing CPR. Perhaps you are right that your chance of living was quite low since you were so far away from medical attention; I am no doctor. Nevertheless we should all be aware of signs of heart attacks and strokes and be prepared to give CPR if necessary.

+1000 on learning CPR!! What amazes medical people is that I was "recoverable, even at 17,000' elevation, with less oxygen.

Thanks for reading, Spiderman.

[Beto]

Best post and story I've seen in a long time. Thanks for taking the time to share that. As someone with constant arrhythmia and occasional a-fib, your story is both inspiring and terrifying to me. Had you had heart workups before this happened?

My hat is off to you for "getting back up on that horse". I'm really not sure I'd have had to guts to return and complete your goal as you did. But I'm pretty sure my wife and kids would have had my answer.

[painless4u2]

Wow. Just wow. What an amazing story.

[billycox]

So many inspiring people and stories on this site. Yours got a little dust in my eyes.

[AnnieUpHigh]

Had you had heart workups before this happened?

Yes, I had EKG and echocardiogram, but neither of those conclusively reveal artery issues--only a heart cath does that. Symptoms can be that a person gets out of breath, tired upon exertion--but that describes most people engaging in mountain hiking/climbing, right? I was 68 when it happened, so I just thought maybe that's why it's all a bit harder for me than used to be. I just don't fit the profile, except ... genetics gets you every time!

I just don't think of myself, though as 68--I just want to go play outdoors like I always have. Photo here is me a year ago when I was first cleared to go above treeline (going to Sniktau).

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[Jay521]

I just don't think of myself, though as 68--I just want to go play outdoors like I always have.

Wow! - I hear you loud and clear on that one!

[RobertKay]

Did this happen on the afternoon of October 26, 2015? I was leading a group that crossed the Renjo La heading to Gokyo on that day and we came across a lady in the exact circumstances you describe. We offered assistance but had nothing to contribute beyond what was already being done for the person. We did point the way to the helicopter pilot as he was heading up valley from Gokyo trying to find the person (you?) in trouble. I have no idea if he saw us or could figure out what we were trying to communicate. We heard that the person survived and were so relieved. That is a very remote place with no nearby medical help. Thank God for satellite phones and helicopters.

Regardless of whether or not we crossed paths on that day, I am happy to know that you are well and enjoying the mountains again.