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The Gokyo valley has
always been a tough place for porters. The valley is long,
at high altitude and it is a long way to medical help. As
more trekkers are attracted to this beautiful area, more porters
are exposed to its dangers. In October 2001 two porters died.
The local people say that is average for each season and have
taken to calling the place 'death valley'!
As a direct response
to this situation IPPG is starting a porter rescue post at
Machermo. This is the best place as it would serve porters
descending from Gokyo and the Cho La. The Nepali rescue worker
will be trained in first aid and common illness including
AMS, frostbite, hypothermia, diarrhoea and respiratory problems.
If necessary, they will arrange evacuation of very sick porters
to Khunde (Hillary) hospital. The rescue post will also act
as a place to educate porters on the dangers they face.
The rescue post will
be starting at the spring season 2003. To begin with, the
rescue worker will be living and working from a room in Namgyal
lodge (Namgyal and the villagers have been very supportive
with this project). Thanks to Prakash Adhikari and Dr Trish
Batchelor for organising this.
We also have the support
of Machermo village and CAN (Community Action Nepal -UK) to
build a combined rescue post and a porter shelter. This will
cost around 60,000 US$ due to the huge expense of building
at such a remote and high place. The building will hopefully
be completed in 2004.
Funding
Many thanks to Blue Sage Trekking (UK) who raised £1,300
sponsored by William Lea Company and their employees. This
money will be used to start and run the rescue post for the
first season (spring 2003).
IPPG is looking for donors
willing to support various aspects of the rescue post on an
ongoing basis. If you or your organization can help with this
project please contact Jim Duff (IPPG international coordinator)
info@ippg.net
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