Inside the 1996 Everest Disaster - Ken Kamler

Dr. Kenneth Kamler recalls his harrowing experience on a climb towards the summit of Mt. Everest in 1996 when a lethal 2-day storm kicked up. The event, documented by writer Jon Krakauer in his bestselling book Into Thin Air, would lead to the deaths of eight climbers and leave several others -- including Kamler -- stranded and fighting for their lives.

In this presentation, Kamler explores the effects of the disaster, the rescue, and the relentless drive of human survival.

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Kenneth "Ken" Kamler is a microsurgeon and mountain climber. Kamler was chosen by New York Magazine as one of New York City's best doctors in 2002. He is a microsurgeon trained at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center who also practices extreme medicine in the most remote corners of the world. He has served as chief high altitude physician for the NASA-sponsored research in human physiological responses to extreme altitude.

As covered in the book Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer, in May 1996, Kamler was at Camp III on Mount Everest preparing for a summit attempt when a ferocious storm engulfed three teams of climbers returning from the peak. As the only doctor on the mountain when the storm hit, he treated the survivors as they descended from Camp IV.

A climber and doctor on many Everest expeditions, he has worked with National Geographic to carry out geological research and precision mapping using laser telescopes and global positioning satellite beacons. He appeared on ABC's Nightline in the first-ever live interview from Everest base camp. and has appeared many times on national television. Kamler lives in the New York City area.

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[volkltiger]

Kind of sad that we still go to Everest and leave all our waste there. Nothing to prove. Pretty selfish way yo prove your self in such a beautiful land.

[purplemonkeyelephant]

Moving

[OtomoTenzi]

Herk, death to all over-achievers! : P

[Estragon17]

@mestuppunker101

well, I'm younger and in as good or better shape than many of the folks who did and have about as much climbing experience as well. Difference is, I have no interest in taking such a huge risk for no good reason. They have every right to do it, but that doesn't mean I have to give them any more respect than I give everyone else simply because they needlessly put themselves in a dangerous position and survived.. or didn't.

[mestuppunker101]

@Estragon17 I'd love to see you go through what they went through and make it out alive

[balmainguy]

@flemdogg Its a little odd to say in one breath we were not there, but in another you found the book honest?

It is very clear that Krakaur was the finger pointer and the first to apportion blame. I found his book very biased and self serving.

Yet the composition of the death toll speaks for itself.

[Estragon17]

@flemdogg Why should we respect people for dying while performing a dangerous and unnecessary sport that, as pointed out by others is mostly for the wealthy, if not all that wealthy in their own western countries, certainly far wealthier than the Sherpas who resupply the camps, act as guides, and such but are basically ignored in terms of "climbing everest" because they aren't westerners? How does taking stupid risks for one's own amusement become something worthy of respect?

[markse4444]

I mean really, the way I see how it was done on this trip and the way it was described (ITA) I'd have to say this is largely a rich man's ego stroke (climbing Everest with "guides"). Krakauer makes this point and so provides himself with a pretext to peripheralize himself from the elites in group.

My point is that at this time summitting Everest seemed to be contingent on wealth and even then things can go wrong. I just find it remarkable how people point fingers; the dead chose to climb.

[globernaught]

@flemdogg you gotta read both books to really grasp it, the climb is the other book. Im not siding with anyone on youtube, but if like Into Thin Air you'll love The Climb

[flemdogg]

I have just finished reading Into Thin Air by Kraukauer. I found it powerful, emotional and honest. I have every respect for those involved in that disaster. I struggle to respect the ill-informed opinions of those who criticise the protagonists involved. We weren't there. I don't know about you, but I've not experienced the debilitating effects of high altitude. It doesn't sound very pleasant. Anyway, let's respect the people who were there and think about those who lost their lives.