Altitude Illness

This online module is designed for outdoor professionals, enthusiasts, or for anyone interested in learning more about this topic. This course is NOT eligible for CME or FAWM. If you would like to earn CME for Altitude Medicine, click here.

Course Description:

High elevation is considered to be above 2,400 meters, or 8,000 feet. At this point, and moving upwards, individuals in high altitudes are susceptible to a myriad of physical ailments. In this module, you will learn the signs and symptoms, prevention strategies, treatment, and evacuation guidelines of acute mountain sickness, high altitude cerebral edema, and high altitude pulmonary edema.

Objectives: 

• Recognize the signs and symptoms of acute mountain sickness, high altitude cerebral edema, and high altitude pulmonary edema
• Understand that gradual ascent is the key to preventing altitude illnesses
• Understand that the most important treatment for altitude illness is descent
• Become familiar with additional methods for both preventing and mitigating altitude illnesses