KATHMANDU, APRIL 17
High-altitude illnesses kill dozens of people every year among those who venture into the mountains for work or leisure. Despite this, only a limited number of research groups worldwide focus on studying these conditions, which can become life-threatening if not properly recognized and managed.
Among them are the "Medical Pirates," a group of emergency physicians, surgeons, and alpine rescue technicians dedicated not only to better understanding high-altitude diseases, but also to raising awareness and improving safety in extreme environments.
Behind the name lies a structured and motivated team of researchers whose goal is to reduce deaths in the mountains by any means necessary, including traveling across the world to deliver free training courses in mountain and expedition medicine.
High-altitude illnesses occur when the body struggles to adapt to lower oxygen levels at high elevations. The most common form is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), which can cause headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue symptoms that may seem mild but should not be ignored. In more severe cases, fluid can build up in the lungs (High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema) or in the brain (High-Altitude Cerebral Edema), both of which can become life-threatening if not treated quickly. The safest approach is to ascend gradually, recognize early warning signs, and descend if symptoms worsen.
For the second time the group, led by Dr Giovanni Cappa and Dr Paolo Rodi, traveled to Nepal to deliver free courses at the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), in Kathmandu. In January 2026, they conducted two training sessions, reaching approximately 60 participants and focusing on practical aspects of mountain medicine. The participants were experienced guides and porters who regularly work at high altitude across Himalayan treks and mountain peaks.
The project was the result of months of preparation, including the development of teaching materials in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Kathmandu, and logistical coordination with Jinesh Sindurakar, Chief Administrative Officer of the NMA.
This course empowered mountain workers to recognize life-threatening conditions and respond promptly, helping to save the lives of tourists visiting Nepal's breathtaking mountains. At the end of the programme, all participants received a certificate, presented by the President of the Nepal Mountaineering Association, Phur Gelje Sherpa, marking the completion of their training in high-altitude first aid.