The pressure chamber concept has been around for 20 years or more, yet the majority of trekkers and mountaineers going to high altitudes do so without this essential piece of safety equipment.
The Portable Altitude Chamber (PAC) is an Australian product, aimed at trekking groups, both private and commercial, as well as expeditions to high altitude. It is an answer to the need for an effective, simple, durable, lightweight and affordable pressure chamber for the treatment of AMS.
Effective
PAC technology has been shown to be highly effective in the reversal of symptoms of AMS. Depending on the starting altitude, simulated descents of about 2000 metres (6000 feet) are achieved at the operating pressure of 2 PSI above arnbient pressure.
Simple
The PAC has been designed to be as simple to operate as possible. One operator can perform a complete treatment cycle on their own. A summary of the instructions found in the operator's manual are printed on the PAC itself, while all the valves are clearly labelled to avoid confusion.
Durable
Made from strong PVC the chamber is robust and designed to withstand the rigours of the mountains.
Light
The PAC, all up with pump, hose, manual repair kit and storage bag weighs in at less than 8 kgs.
Affordable
Roddie Mackenzie, Dr. James Duff and C. E. Bartlett Pty. Ltd. were committed to making this technology affordable and we believe we have done so.
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
As we ascend above 2500 metres (8000 feet) our bodies must acclimatise to the decreasing amount of oxygen available. Failure to acclimatise can result in AMS.
The symptoms of AMS may include any of the following: headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, cough, dizziness, blurred vision, vomiting, etc. The intensity and severity of these symptoms will vary, but can very quickly become extremely serious and even fatal.
The only treatment for AMS is to descend to a lower altitude.
However, there are many situations where immediate descent is difficult if not impossible, due to the hazards of weather, lack of manpower, difficult terrain or geography such as a plateau.
PAC technology buys time and can stabilise or reverse severe symptoms of AMS before (or while) descent is undertaken.
PAC was developed by experienced Himalayan mountaineers, with the client in mind:
Dr. James Duff, M.D. has been a doctor and leader on six Himalayan expeditions, including Chris Bonnington's 1975 Everest south-west face and the 1984 first Australian ascent of Everest by the north face. For the past 17 years, he has been training guides and leaders in Nepal and India in wilderness first aid and leadership.
Roddie Mackenzie is an experienced Himalayan mountaineer who has climbed Mount Everest.
He is presently joint owner-manager of a helicopter skiing operation in the Indian Himalaya. Inventions are a Mackenzie family tradition and this, combined with high altitude experience, gave birth to the PAC.
C. E. Bartlett Pty. Ltd., one of Australia's leading family-owned companies, has a history in excess of 40 years and currently manufactures and distributes a wide range of industrial, agricultural, domestic and commercial products using PVC, polyethylene, polypropylene, acrylic and canvas fabrics.
Our Guarantee
The materials and workmanship of the PAC are guaranteed at the time of delivery. The manufacturer also provides a comprehensive repair and testing service.
Roddie Mackenzie and Dr. James Duff are available to assist and help with operational queries.
Most lmportantly
The key to safe operation of the PAC is proper instruction. Therefore, one of our most important services is to provide free instruction in the use of the PAC at an annual training session held in Kathmandu, Nepal, each September.
For Sales and Advice Please Contact:
Treksafe
Australia
Ph: +61 2 6653 4241 Fax: +61 2 6655 0266
Email: pac@treksafe.com.au
Kathmandu Contact: Sherpa Expeditions
Ph: 977-1-428807/ 425917/ 410755 res.
Email: sherpa@expdtn.wlink.com.np
Visist our website for more information
www.treksafe.com.au |
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