Wild Chats with Ben Southall

Altitude Sickness, Frostbite & Staying Safe in the Mountains with Dr Hannah Lock

Wild Earth Australia Episode 96

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0:00 | 1:09:22

Join Ben Southall and emergency physician, expedition doctor and mountain medicine expert Dr Hannah Lock for a fascinating conversation about altitude sickness, frostbite and how to stay safer in the mountains.

Hannah explains what actually happens to your body as you climb higher, why even extremely fit people can suffer from altitude sickness and why preparation and a slow ascent are so important. She breaks down the warning signs of acute mountain sickness, HAPE and HACE, and discusses acclimatisation, hydration, Diamox and the usefulness (and limitations) of pulse oximeters at altitude.

The conversation also heads into the cold, with Hannah explaining the difference between Raynaud's, frostnip and frostbite, what freezing temperatures actually do to your tissue and why early treatment matters.

From building a practical expedition first aid kit to knowing when it's time to descend or turn around, this episode is packed with useful advice for hikers, trekkers and anyone planning to venture into high-altitude or cold environments.

Connect with Hannah
https://drhannahlock.co.uk/

🎙️ Hosted by
Ben Southall from Best Life Adventures: https://bestlifeadventures.com/
Wild Earth Australia: https://www.wildearth.com.au/