Hi everyone, it’s Paul here.
It’s a lovely sunny day here in the Khan Tengri base camp. A helicopter just landed dropping off a group of climbers who were on the South side, and have decided to come over to the North, after seeing all the avalanches. Don’t blame them! The translator told us today that it’s now 11 people dead, and they are not looking for the bodies anymore, because since the original slide there have been 4 more. This is obviously is very dangerous for the rescuers, but also further covers the bodies, making them even harder to find.
Last night I had an IV injection of an antibiotic, and an IM injection of something else. The IV was not pleasant and took about 3 minutes. This morning I have had another IM, and tonight I am due for another. I am also on 2 different sets of tablets. We have asked the doctor to write it all down for us so that we know what I have been given. The main concern seems to be infection, and he said to me last night that I couldn’t have a shower until today (presumably to let the antibiotics kick in), and that I had to go and see him straight afterwards and he would dress the feet.
Strangely enough I am probably getting the best treatment possible here, given that this doctor is used to seeing frostbite, he is located about 25m away from our tent, and he has only one other patient. Can’t ask for more than that! He says it’s important that I get to a lower altitude ASAP, because it will heal better. The helicopter is scheduled to come tomorrow, so all being well we should be in Almaty tomorrow night. Fiona’s finger seems Ok, and he has given her paracetamol tablets for the pain.
The first picture here is of the cake that they made for Fiona yesterday. The cook (pictured) came running out to greet us with it as we walked into base camp. It was then presented formally to Fiona at dinner after short speech and then was shared by all. There are only about 20 people here now; many have left, or are still on the mountain. We heard that we were the 8th and 9th people to make it to the summit this year. One other female has since made it to the top.
Paul & Fiona in base camp.