Almost 7000 meters high – Nepal: Welser rescued Sherpas after avalanche

The Manaslu, “the mountain of souls”, is at 8163 meters not only one of the most beautiful, but also one of the highest mountains in the world. It was the mountaineering goal of mountain rescuer Patrick Hauser from Wels. Everything went according to plan until September 26, well acclimatized and in top shape, the team was already in camp 3 at about 6700 meters – ready to conquer the summit. Conditions didn’t seem ideal for the Austrian expedition, so they decided to wait another day, Patrick reported.

Unfortunately, several expeditions decided otherwise and were on their way to Camp 4 when a large avalanche broke out just before the saddle and a total of 11 Sherpas were buried.

Very confusing situation
At first, the situation was very confusing, because at the same time another accident happened on the summit, where American ski mountaineer Hilaree Nelson died. Over time, the situation became clearer and the wounded were gradually taken to the camp, where Patrick provided first aid. Three seriously injured people required treatment, the spectrum of injuries ranged from a dislocated knee to spinal injury, a serious head injury, a pelvic fracture and respiratory failure.

“Patrick didn’t think much, he just acted – body control, heat control, oxygen, proper positioning and pain medication,” reported the other expedition members, and were deeply impressed by how professional the patients were at nearly 7,000 feet above sea level, despite the most adverse conditions and the simplest aids were provided by him.

Early the next morning there was a weather window and the wounded could be flown out. “It is very gratifying that all three Sherpas are on the mend”, is the praise and recognition for the mountain rescuer Wels of the Upper Austrian Mountain Rescue Service!