Outdoor Highlands
Once high-altitude coma occurs, the condition is extremely critical and immediate on-site rescue is required. If conditions allow, the patient may be transferred to a lower altitude area without interrupting treatment. Common rescue measures currently include:
(1) Oxygen inhalation: Continuous pressurized oxygen should be administered at a flow rate of 2-4 liters per minute. For severely ill patients, the flow rate may be intermittently increased to 4-6 liters per minute until the patient regains consciousness. If the coma is severe and accompanied by respiratory failure, positive-pressure oxygen and assisted breathing via a mechanical ventilator may be administered.
(2) Hypothermia therapy: Place ice water packs on major blood vessels such as the head, neck, armpits, and groin to lower the body temperature below normal. This reduces the body’s oxygen consumption and helps protect oxygen-deprived brain tissue.
(3) Use of dehydration agents: Dehydration agents can reduce cerebral edema, lower intracranial pressure, and improve cerebral circulation.
Commonly used medications: ① Dexamethasone.
② 20% Mannitol, 25% Sorbitol — both drugs have the same effect.
③ Diuretics.
(4) Medications that promote brain cell metabolism: Brain cell hypoxia leads to insufficient energy supply in brain tissue, causing damage. Therefore, drugs such as ATP, Coenzyme A, and Cytochrome C that promote brain cell metabolism may be used.
(5) Control and prevention of infection: Select 1-2 types of antibiotic medications according to the condition.
(1) Oxygen inhalation: Continuous pressurized oxygen should be administered at a flow rate of 2-4 liters per minute. For severely ill patients, the flow rate may be intermittently increased to 4-6 liters per minute until the patient regains consciousness. If the coma is severe and accompanied by respiratory failure, positive-pressure oxygen and assisted breathing via a mechanical ventilator may be administered.
(2) Hypothermia therapy: Place ice water packs on major blood vessels such as the head, neck, armpits, and groin to lower the body temperature below normal. This reduces the body’s oxygen consumption and helps protect oxygen-deprived brain tissue.
(3) Use of dehydration agents: Dehydration agents can reduce cerebral edema, lower intracranial pressure, and improve cerebral circulation.
Commonly used medications: ① Dexamethasone.
② 20% Mannitol, 25% Sorbitol — both drugs have the same effect.
③ Diuretics.
(4) Medications that promote brain cell metabolism: Brain cell hypoxia leads to insufficient energy supply in brain tissue, causing damage. Therefore, drugs such as ATP, Coenzyme A, and Cytochrome C that promote brain cell metabolism may be used.
(5) Control and prevention of infection: Select 1-2 types of antibiotic medications according to the condition.
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