ESSENTIAL POINTS
of the medical organization of high altitude trails
The vast majority of runners of course ask themselves the question of the very high altitude and especially the indication of the famous hypoxia test. The situation is quite simple: if you have altitude experience (above 3500m) and that is going well, the test is not indicated. On the other hand, if you are a runner from the plains or your previous experiences have been difficult, it is necessary to consider with your family doctor the realization of this test. Ifremmont's aptitude consultation is at your disposal on 0800 14 8000.
The pharmacy kit
You have no medicine to buy. The amount to be expected is 30 €. Indeed, IFREMMONT already provides emergency drugs as part of its support for the race. It is normal to get yourself involved. The fitness consultation with your family doctor. It is mandatory and will allow you to obtain the medical certificate requested by Dawa, to perform an electrocardiogram. In case of doubt you will be directed to a cardiologist to complete the assessment. At best the sports doctor will help you in your preparation for altitude
During the trail
A Kathmandu, we collect from the arrival at the hotel your participation of 30 €. We then put a list of appointments where the medical team reviews each participant checks the background and gives you your weekly kit to keep in the rider's bag. Each evening, at the stage we complete together what you have consumed. The medical briefing is compulsory.During the stage, the riders will be divided into two groups of levels. One of the doctors opens the march, the rescuer and the resuscitation equipment are between the two groups, finally the second doctor closes the march. In spite of all our experience, the equipment put in place, you will have to accept these exceptional conditions. It is necessary to be aware that during the test in case of unavailability of the helicopter we will sometimes be more than 3 days from a center. Medical .. Thank you for downloading the attached document. It must be read.
Acclimatization
You know all Europeans do not live at altitude, so they have to acclimate. Beyond the immediate reactions such as the increase of the heart rate, of the respiratory rate, this process is put in place approximately in 8 to 10 days. Beyond we are partially acclimated then completely after 3 weeks. That is to say at the end of the test. In short you will never be 100% of your abilities. In other words you will never have 100% of your VO2. The consequences are easy to understand, you will constantly miss oxygen. This limits performance but especially recovery and night repairs. The faster you go, the more debt you pay at night. You will never be able to bear the same charges as in Europe. Worse if you persist the debt will be too much and expose you to the complications of MAM. How not to get there: moderate your pace especially the first week (75% of the FCM) or you acclimate before the race (altitude stays before the race, altitrainer etc ...)
Physical and medical preparation
Competitors will evolve in a high altitude zone where hypoxia will limit the performance since the VO2 drops by 10% per 1000 m of D +. Runner friends is therefore between 20 to 55% less aerobic performance ... These physiological consequences apply to everyone ... Everyone will have to review these performances downwards since the acclimatization that improves these reports will be really effective at the end of the adventure.Even if the stages are relatively short the speed of progression dropping, it will sometimes between 6 to 7H less fast or those who will adapt less well. In short you have to be able to run / walk for at least 7 hours which sets the objectives of your physical preparation. Especially it appears interesting to expose the high altitude 8 to 10 days before departure to gain some time on the acclimation.On understand so easily that know in advance his response to stay at high altitude is a imperative. Indeed the bad answering machines (and unfortunately this is independent of the VO2max) will have to increase their restraint. Beyond the physical preparation mentioned above, your medical preparation is also an important goal. In case of doubt it must go through an aptitude consultation at high altitude. Last point that we must not neglect this medical preparation: know how to help and especially use the hyperbaric chamber, make an intramuscular injection. On these points you will be trained by the Ifremmont team during the briefing. To go further why not think about a first aid diploma?
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