KATHMANDU: The Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) clinic at Everest Base Camp is offering frostbite treatment on-site this spring season, including the first dose of ilioprost, a vascular medication typically administered in Kathmandu, for climbers presenting with frostbite at Camp I or higher, according to Dr Prince Singh of Everest ER at HRA.

The initiative addresses a critical time gap in high-altitude emergency care. Frostbite, which occurs when skin and underlying tissue freeze upon exposure to extreme cold, commonly affects fingers, toes, nose and ears, with symptoms including pain, numbness, swelling, blisters and skin discoloration. Delayed treatment significantly raises the risk of permanent tissue loss.

"Time is tissue," Dr Singh said, noting that helicopter evacuation directly to Lukla or Kathmandu could take one to two hours — a window in which untreated frostbite may result in loss of fingers or toes.

Climbers, expedition operators and liaison officers have been urged to coordinate with HRA before arranging helicopter evacuations, to allow for the initial dose to be administered at base camp prior to transport.

The HRA has operated its seasonal clinic at Everest Base Camp for decades, providing emergency medical care to climbers, trekkers and Sherpa staff throughout the spring and autumn seasons.