The rescue of stricken climber Usha Bista
On May 22nd 2007 at the height of about 8,600m Usha Bista was found by Canadian climber Meahan McGrath. She had been abandoned by her climbing group, suffering from severe altitude sickness whilst on the way to the top of Mount Everest.
Meahan McGrath along with Dave Hahn from the International Mountain Guides, coordinated the rescue of Usha and asked the Xtreme Everest team for their assistance. After being brought down to 8,000m she was taken to the Xtreme Everest laboratory, which was the world's highest medical laboratory on Everest's South Col.The team, which was led by Prof Mike Grocott, were able to diagnose swelling on the brain (cerebral oedema) commonly brought on by low oxygen levels. Offering medical care, they then arranged the transfer of Usha further down the mountain with help from the International Mountain Guides team.
After spending the night at Camp Three, she was finally able to get to base camp a few days later and then flown to Kathmandu for further medical treatment.
A few days later, she came to visit the team to thank them for their help and support. A year later, an email appeared in the Xtreme Everest inbox from Usha, telling us she had successfully climbed Everest that year.
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