The Everest Base Camp Medical Clinic (Everest ER,) a project of the Himalayan Rescue Association-USA (US based nonprofit charity org) and Himalayan Rescue Association (a non-profit Nepali NGO) was first established during the 2003 Everest 50th anniversary spring climbing season. We commence our 6th season in the first week of April 2008 and plan to operate until the end of spring climbing season or May 31, as indicated. Volunteers have been busy in the off season, collecting new donated equipment and funding and we expect to have a bigger and better stocked operation in 2008.

The clinic is run similarly to HRA clinics in Manang and Pheriche (operational since 1973, see www.himalayanrescue.org for those clinic operation dates.) We serve the trekking-through, climbing, and native Nepali public in base camp, using any proceeds from charges for this care to finance free/low cost health care for the Sherpa people of the Khumbu.

Dr. Luanne Freer, board certified emergency physician, wilderness medicine expert, and veteran volunteer for the HRA, heads the altitude-experienced medical staff, which allows climbers and trekkers to pursue their missions and leave their health care needs to the professionals. And although none of the HRA team will have climbing permits or will be able to respond to higher camp emergencies, we are available for radio consults to climbers above base camp.

For more information about the Everest ER, including the latest in preventative medicine advice for those traveling to high altitude destinations, visit www.EverestER.org