Product Description

A portrait of how medicine is performed and lives are saved - or lost - in perilous conditions. The book concentrates on the disastrous 1996 ascent of Everest, in which Dr Kenneth Kamler played a crucial role aiding many survivors. Dr Kamler was no stranger to mountain climbing, he'd previously made the climb three times, but nothing had prepared him for what he would face on this attempt at the summit. As conditions on the mountain rapidly deteriorated the medical situation soon became desperate. He was faced with dire cases that would have been difficult to attend to under the best of circumstances. Kamler also recalls the effects of fear, stress and adrenaline on the entire group; as the only physician present on the mountain he was uniquely privy to these raw displays of humanity. "Doctor on Everest" reveals a deeper understanding of what it takes for the human body and mind to function at high altitudes.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2256360 in Books
• Published on: 2001-02-22
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 305 pages

Customer Reviews

Hilarious japes!
Sir Edmund Hillary is generally taken as a rather stern character, but his foreword to this side-splitting tribute to Richard Gordon's 'Doctor' series (made famous by Dirk Bogarde's legendary portrayal of Dr. Simon Sparrow, in the series of films) shows his more human side, largely through his hearty affection for toilet-based humour and innuendo. Everest may seem like an unlikely location for a farce (and in truth it's a little slow to get going) but once Kamler gets his cauldron of mirth on the boil, there's no end to the zany antics. It's a real pity that this was never adapted as part of the film series. One can just imagine the look on Sir Lancelot Spratt's face as he sits on the spring loaded camming device! If only Leslie Phillips had been given the chance to deliver the cheeky line about wedging his nuts into the narrow crack!

An exciting adventure story with fascinating medical insight
Ken Kamler is a surgeon who has, over the years, gained a keen interest in high altitude mountaineering. Having been to everest many times (although never summited) he has had a great deal of experience of the accidents and illnesses that can befall a climber - especially captivating to anyone interested in medicine or first aid. Kamler's account tells of what it is really like to climb a mountain. He is not a superhuman so is not afraid to describe his own suffering on the mountain - the account of climbing on Everest is all the more vivid for it.
This is possibly the most enjoyable book I've ever read. A very human account of struggle and suffering at the top of the world.

Endurance, Emotion and Emergencies
Dr kenneth Kamler tells his unique passionate story of how he was chosen to go on Everest, how he trained and the adventures that followed. These adventures are described in detail from all aspects be it the physical nature of Everest from both the beauty and the dangers and the emotional side from the friendships to the decisions he had to make as both a doctor and climber. It is a fantastic read of 'a family man' who is torn between his family, medicine and climbing. This book will transport you to Everest and when you come to the end you will wish it could continue. Carry on writing Ken!!!