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Altitude JEOPARDY
#10265 01/25/11 08:02 AM
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The topics of altitude, AMS, acclimation, etc. have been prominent on the boards this week, and it got me thinking about how capricious and unpredictable altitude illnesses can be.

A few years ago I had the opportunity to speak with the leader of a group of about 25 people who I'm pretty certain spend more time above 14,000 feet (above sea level) year in and year out than any other group of Americans - thousands and thousands of hours per year. He told me that his biggest challenge, other than the obvious weather events at such an elevation, was dealing with altitude-related issues such as AMS, even though many members of his group consistently spend a significant percentage of their entire year above 14K'. That struck me as probably the best example of how AMS should always be a concern at elevation, regardless of an individual's prior lack of issues.

Anyone want to venture a guess as to what group of people I'm talking about? And, no - flight is not a player here. These are folks with their feet planted firmly on the ground.

There's one board member who should absolutely nail this without a second thought - I would ask that person (you know who you are) to hold off just a bit till others have had a chance to demonstrate their deductive abilities smile .

Last edited by Bulldog34; 01/25/11 11:40 AM. Reason: Clarified elevation to above sea level - some people think I'm being tricky!
Re: Altitude JEOPARDY
KevinR #10269 01/25/11 08:45 AM
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Originally Posted By: KevinR
Have often thought that one of most important safety precautions is to choose your hiking/climbing companions carefully.

Professional guides don't have that luxury.



On the contrary, they have that responsibility. Have you seen the medical history forms they require from clients?

Dale B. Dalrymple

Re: Altitude JEOPARDY
Bulldog34 #10270 01/25/11 08:48 AM
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> a group of about 25 people who I'm pretty certain spend more time above 14,000 year in and year out than any other group of Americans - thousands and thousands of hours per year.

All I can guess is miners at a high-altitude mine in Chile???

I recall a student posting here who spent some time at a mine like that.

Re: Altitude JEOPARDY
Bulldog34 #10271 01/25/11 08:49 AM
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I would guess that the mountain rescue crews have to pay attention to it a bit.

Re: Altitude JEOPARDY
tdtz #10272 01/25/11 08:51 AM
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Good guesses guys, but not even close. This requires thinking outside the box a bit. And is within the boundaries of the US (I didn't make that clear at the outset - sorry).

Re: Altitude JEOPARDY
Bulldog34 #10274 01/25/11 08:58 AM
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I Googled "american everest guides" and found half-a-dozen companies, which could possibly add up to 25 or so American guides. Cindy would know!. Is there a national society or organization for this group?


Verum audaces non gerunt indusia alba. - Ipsi dixit MCMLXXII
Re: Altitude JEOPARDY
wagga #10277 01/25/11 09:13 AM
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All the time at elevation - every minute of it - is spent within the boundaries of the US, not Americans outside the country. It wasn't a trick question (at least not in that sense). It just takes a little broader thinking - and a bit of knowledge of high elevations outside of California.

Dave, I'd really be surprised if Google helped anyone get this.

Re: Altitude JEOPARDY
Bulldog34 #10279 01/25/11 09:21 AM
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You posted that detail while I was writing my reply...


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Re: Altitude JEOPARDY
Bulldog34 #10280 01/25/11 09:25 AM
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Did one of their huts burn down in 2009?


Verum audaces non gerunt indusia alba. - Ipsi dixit MCMLXXII
Re: Altitude JEOPARDY
wagga #10283 01/25/11 09:35 AM
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Originally Posted By: wagga
Did one of their huts burn down in 2009?


Not that I'm aware of. To my personal knowledge, a hut, as such, isn't even present.

Re: Altitude JEOPARDY
Bulldog34 #10285 01/25/11 09:44 AM
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Does "10th." feature in the group's name?


Verum audaces non gerunt indusia alba. - Ipsi dixit MCMLXXII
Re: Altitude JEOPARDY
wagga #10289 01/25/11 09:55 AM
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Found this on Google, "xxxx" so it doesn't give more away...

Other Requirements
1. Valid xxxx driver's license.
2. Successful completion of high altitude physical and continuing ability to work effectively at 14,000 foot altitude.
3. Willingness to commit to xxxx core and cultural values.
4. Ability to work varying schedules including weekdays, weekends, holidays and evening hours.

Working Conditions:
1. Work at the xxxx (14,000 feet elevation) on a frequent basis.

Re: Altitude JEOPARDY
wagga #10290 01/25/11 09:56 AM
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Originally Posted By: wagga
Does "10th." feature in the group's name?


Nope.

Outside the box. From the perspective of a board that might focus heavily on mountaineering and associated endeavors, way outside the box. A mountain is involved, but that's the extent of it.

Re: Altitude JEOPARDY
Steve C #10291 01/25/11 09:57 AM
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Originally Posted By: Steve C
Found this on Google, "xxxx" so it doesn't give more away...

Other Requirements
1. Valid xxxx driver's license.
2. Successful completion of high altitude physical and continuing ability to work effectively at 14,000 foot altitude.
3. Willingness to commit to xxxx core and cultural values.
4. Ability to work varying schedules including weekdays, weekends, holidays and evening hours.

Working Conditions:
1. Work at the xxxx (14,000 feet elevation) on a frequent basis.


Steve, you may have it! Then again, I wasn't aware of item # 1 - there is another option. PM me - I'm curious what your search words were.

Last edited by Bulldog34; 01/25/11 10:24 AM. Reason: Last sentence added.
Re: Altitude JEOPARDY
Bulldog34 #10292 01/25/11 10:55 AM
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Three answers (all in the same place):

The v c?
The S H?
The R C?

All on top?

Re: Altitude JEOPARDY
Ken #10294 01/25/11 11:12 AM
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Originally Posted By: Ken
Three answers (all in the same place):

The v c?
The S H?
The R C?

All on top?


Ken, I'm not getting a hit on these initials, but PM me with more detail.

Re: Altitude JEOPARDY
Ken #10295 01/25/11 11:15 AM
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They have a Subaru and a Gemini and they work all night?


Verum audaces non gerunt indusia alba. - Ipsi dixit MCMLXXII
Re: Altitude JEOPARDY
wagga #10296 01/25/11 11:16 AM
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Originally Posted By: wagga
They have a Subaru and a Gemini and they work all night?


No, but a good deduction. Getting warmer.

Re: Altitude JEOPARDY
Bulldog34 #10297 01/25/11 11:23 AM
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Do they work on the tallest mountain on Earth?


Verum audaces non gerunt indusia alba. - Ipsi dixit MCMLXXII
Re: Altitude JEOPARDY
wagga #10298 01/25/11 11:25 AM
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Originally Posted By: wagga
Do they work on the tallest mountain on Earth?


Not unless they moved Everest to the United States . . .

I would be willing to bet that several of you have been to this place and interacted with some of these people. If not, you gotta get out (of Cali) more!

Last edited by Bulldog34; 01/25/11 11:30 AM. Reason: Added 2nd line.
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