Ep 129 - Altitude Illness on the Grand Teton - Kelsey Probst

Attempting to summit the Grand Teton in August 2026, Kelsey Probst, an emergency surgery physician assistant, experienced severe acute mountain sickness (AMS) that manifested as debilitating nausea, ataxia, and confusion. Despite her physical fitness and extensive preparation, she struggled to recognize these symptoms, initially misattributing them to nerves or poor conditioning. Her experience highlights the critical importance of self-awareness and radical honesty within a climbing team, as she initially hid the severity of her condition to avoid disappointing her group. By choosing to turn back, she avoided a potentially life-threatening situation on the mountain's technical terrain. This account underscores that altitude sickness can occur at lower elevations than expected and emphasizes that prioritizing safety over summit goals is a vital, non-negotiable skill for any mountaineer.