Question 1

What happens to the body above 8,000 metres?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen saturation can fall below 50 percent, VO₂ max drops to a quarter of sea level values and the body begins to deteriorate. Time at this altitude must be short.

Question 2

How does the body adapt to altitude?

Accepted Answer

Ventilation increases, red blood cell mass rises and blood chemistry shifts to improve oxygen delivery. These adaptations help performance yet raise cardiac workload.

Question 3

Why is acclimatisation important on Everest?

Accepted Answer

Most gains arrive in the first seven to ten days. Above 7,000 metres progress slows and above 8,000 metres the body deteriorates regardless of fitness.

Question 4

Why use supplemental oxygen?

Accepted Answer

It raises saturation into safer ranges, supports cognition and lowers frostbite risk. Most Everest summits are completed with oxygen support.

Question 5

Can climbers summit without oxygen?

Accepted Answer

A small number of elite climbers do so. It relies on rare physiology and carries significant risk. It is not suitable for most people.