AUTHORITIES in Tokyo have confirmed emergency services have rescued the same climber twice in one week after the man got into difficulties looking for a mobile phone he lost during his first rescue on Mount Fuji.
The 27-year-old student was originally airlifted to hospital from the mountain after suffering altitude sickness around 3,000 metres (9,800ft).
Four days later, rescuers were called out again when a climber was discovered in the same location and also suffering with severe altitude sickness.
It was only while later being interviewed by police in the hospital that it was discovered he was the same man who had to be evacuated off Mount Fuji by helicopter earlier in the week.
It is understood he realised his phone had been left behind when he was taken ill before the first rescue, and took the decision to return to the spot to recover the device.
What is altitude sickness?
Altitude sickness is the umbrella term for a series of medical conditions that can happen when you move to a higher altitude too quickly for your body to adjust.
It occurs when a person travels to a high altitude – usually above 2,500 metres (8,200 feet), without taking time to gradually acclimatise.
The lack of oxygen creates multiple symptoms including headache, nausea, weakness, and difficulty breathing. It can be dangerous and potentially lethal.
Altitude sickness refers to three distinct conditions…
Acute mountain sickness (AMS): The mildest and most common form of altitude sickness, with minor symptoms.
High altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE): HAPE occurs when altitude sickness affects lung function, causing them to fill with fluid. Immediate medical attention must be sought.
High altitude cerebral edema (HACE): This is the most severe form of altitude sickness and will, more often than not, cause the patient’s brain to swell. HACE is incredibly dangerous and could easily become fatal if emergency care is not at hand.
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