E3 99 - Mission Information

Scientific Investigation of High Altitude Physiology

Studying the effects of living and working in extreme environments, E3 will push the known limits of people, equipment and medicine, supported by some of the most advanced technology ever deployed. E3 1999 will be utilizing advanced medical technologies in the world's most extreme environment to perform state-of-the-art research and to improve the quality of medical care rendered anywhere on our planet--and beyond.

At its medical clinic from the base camp of Mount Everest at 17,000 feet, the expedition will establish cutting-edge Telemedicine capabilities serving an international community of more than 150 climbers, Sherpa guides and support personnel present on the mountain. The clinic and Telemedicine capabilities will represent the most advanced medical technologies ever assembled and adapted to the extreme environment of Base Camp.

The expedition experimentation with and practical applications of Telemedicine on Mount Everest have implications as to how to Telemedicine is adapted to the care for people in other extreme circumstances. Telemedicine will be crucial to the care and treatment of humans as the work and live in space such as the International Space Station or on a future manned mission to Mars. Telemedicine is also finding its way into our lives, our homes, and those we care about. Telemedicine is proving successful in enabling distance collaboration among healthcare providers and as part of monitoring regimens for post-operative care and treatment of individuals with chronic illnesses.

Several individuals will wear non-invasive, wireless monitoring devices (referred to as personal status monitors) which will enable expedition members to perform real-time monitoring of climbers' position and certain vital signs. Over the course of the expedition, E3 participants will assess the changes in vital signs during periods of rest, specific exercises, and during climbing.

The devices were developed by PED Inc. and tested extensively by the U.S. Army's Natick Laboratories.

Expedition members will gather scientific data to enable the analysis of a broad range of information on circulatory response and adaptation to humans working and living in high-altitude, low oxygen and continuing stress conditions.

The scientific findings from these efforts may provide researchers with new insights into medical conditions characterized by circulatory shunting such as coronary artery disease, stroke, kidney failure, and hypertension; and by diminished oxygen intake such asthma and emphysema.