portable hyperbaric chambers

The Portable Altitude Chamber (PAC)

On all my High Altitude TREKS and expeditions (20+ Himalyan trips) there has been a portable hyperbaric chamber in my equipment inventory.

Portable Hyperbaric Chambers are capsules constructed of lightweight but very durable materials which are airtight  with a zipped entrance for the person to gain entry to it. They are considered to be bulky and heavy and not always carried to higher altitudes.

I believe all treks and expedition operating to a Very High Altitude (defined as 3500m – 5800m) should carry a portable hyperbaric chamber. Beyond high base camps though, they will be classed as bulky and heavy so the base camp is where they would be located on more technical and higher expedition routes.

I once had to use a portable hyperbaric chamber for a person who was very ill with severe AMS at Gokyo Lakes (5000m) and thankful that I had access to this equipment. We had oxygen available but it was a limited supply and didn't last the night. It kept him comfortable until the daylight medevac flight to Kathmandu where he was diagnosed with HAPE.

At an altitude of 5000m, the simulated altitude inside the PAC when pressurised is approximately 3250m. The guidelines for a person suffering from altitude related illnesses are: STOP - REST - TREAT - DESCEND. Often it is impossible to make a safe night time descent with the casualty so the portable hyperbaric chamber allows the casualty to achieve the descent requirement whilst waiting for a daylight medevac flight.

The portable hyperbaric chamber is inflated with a foot pump resulting in an increase in barometric pressure within the chamber for simulated descent which is monitored by utilising an altimeter inside the chamber.

The process is labour intensive as the foot pump is used every 5 seconds for the chamber to remain correctly inflated. Outside of the chamber, the casualty must be continuously monitored by another team member through the access window.

Portable hyperbaric chambers have been proven to treat all forms of altitude illness. A casualty can be removed temporarily during the night if required but the positive effects of being inside the chamber do not last long once outside of the chamber.

​Descent is always the most important factor to consider.

The following advice applies to portable hyperbaric chambers:

1. The portable hyperbaric chamber needs to be on a tough groundsheet to protect it from stones and rough ground.
2. Insulation mats
3. Sleeping bag.
4. Pillow to keep the shopulders slightly raised.
5. Drinking water.
6. Urine bottle.
7. Vomit bag.
8. Altimeter to fit into the monitoring sleeve above the zip.
9. Walking poles can help those on the pump to maintain their balance.
10. Warm clothing.

Bryn Walking offer the following REC courses which I deliver:

1. REC High Altitude First Aid (4hrs)
2. REC Trekking First Aid (8hrs) which includes specific country briefing
3. REC L5 Travel & Expedition First Aid (16hrs)
4. RGS Off Site Safety Management (15hrs minimum)

​Contact Helen Menhinick at BRYN WALKING for further details or myself at [email protected] 
​Private courses are available on request.