BBC Horizon – Doctors in the Death Zone

by Tom Briggs The Caudwell Xtreme Everest expedition placed a research team on the summit of Everest in May 2007 and made the first ever measurement of the level of oxygen in human blood at 8400m, on the Balcony of Everest. This was the centrepiece of an extensive and continuing programme of research into hypoxia (low oxygen levels) and human performance at extreme altitude aimed at improving the care of the critically ill and other patients where hypoxia is a fundamental problem. The expedition was filmed by the BBC and IMAX. The BBC are showing two one hour films this month: Sunday 23 September 2007, 8pm, BBC Two Sunday 30 September 2007, 8pm, BBC Two From the BBC website: “This two-part special follows a team of doctors conducting a series of groundbreaking experiments as they climb Everest, the world´s highest peak. From their laboratory tents, pitched in -25 degC conditions, the experts use their own bodies for medical tests. They push themselves to the limit to better understand the human body´s behaviour in a low-oxygen environment. The team hopes their work will lead to new, life-saving treatments for intensive care patients suffering from hypoxia, a shortage of oxygen in the body.

QuelleUKClimbing