Simulating the Summit of Mont Blanc in Bangor University

On Wednesday 12th May 2021 the School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences at Bangor University hosted the British Association of Mountain Guides for a high altitude continuous professional development workshop. Run by expedition medic and anaesthetist Dr. Sarah Wysling and altitude physiologist and Head of School Jamie Macdonald, with help from two postgraduate researchers Dan Hill and Matt Rogan, the Guides discussed methods to better prepare themselves and their clients for travel to the high mountains of Europe and the greater ranges. A practical demonstration involved two guides completing simulated mountaineering activities whilst breathing air of the same oxygen content as the summit of Mont Blanc (4809m), allowing the Guides to better understand their physiological and perceptual responses to hypoxic exposure in order to help them operate more effectively and safely at high altitude. Jamie commented: “It was very exciting to have the opportunity to work with the highest qualified mountain guides. Their extensive experience of working in challenging extreme environments meant we learnt as much from the session as they did!”

This workshop was coordinated by members of the Extremes Research Group, which has a particular interest in understanding how humans respond when the amount of oxygen in the blood and tissues is reduced, known as hypoxia, to help identify and deliver practical strategies to assist those that live, work and play in thin air.

Publication date: 2 June 2021