What is gamow bag?

A gamow bag is a portable hyperbaric chamber designed to treat altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness. It works by simulating a lower altitude environment, increasing the partial pressure of oxygen and helping the body to adapt to the thinner air at high altitudes.

The gamow bag is a fabric bag that is inflated with a foot pump, creating a pressurized environment for the patient to breathe in. This can provide almost immediate relief for symptoms of altitude sickness such as headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue.

The gamow bag is commonly used by climbers, trekkers, and rescue teams in high-altitude environments where medical facilities are not readily available. It is considered a vital piece of equipment for high-altitude expeditions and is recommended to be carried on such trips.

It is important to note that the gamow bag is not a substitute for proper acclimatization or descent to lower altitudes in cases of severe altitude sickness. It should be used as a temporary measure to provide relief while arrangements are made for evacuation to a lower altitude.