Three climbers had to be assisted off Quandary Peak in Summit County, Colorado after one member of the group fell ill roughly two-thirds of the way up the 14,000-foot mountain.
The group called for help after the climber became sick during their ascent. Deputies from the Summit County Sheriff’s Office responded alongside the Summit County Rescue Group and Red, White and Blue paramedics, forming a joint team that climbed the mountain to reach the distressed party.
When rescuers arrived on scene, they discovered that all three climbers were suffering from symptoms of altitude sickness, not just the one who had initially triggered the call. The likely culprit was the dramatic elevation change the group had taken on. The trio had traveled to Colorado from sea level before attempting to summit the peak, giving their bodies little time to adjust to the thin air.
All three climbers were safely guided down the mountain by rescue personnel. Once at the base, they declined transport by ambulance and opted against seeking further medical evaluation.
Quandary Peak, located near Breckenridge, is one of Colorado’s most popular fourteeners and draws thousands of hikers each year, many of whom arrive from lower elevations without adequate acclimatization time. Altitude sickness can set in well below the summit and affects visitors regardless of fitness level.
