High Altitude Climbing, High Reliability, COVID-19, and the Power of Observation

Abstract

Attempts to climb Mount Everest failed for thirty years until a mountain climbing physiologist joined the efforts. This story demonstrates the value of context, inductive processes, and pragmatism to generate local knowledge and solutions in austere, hazardous environments. In these environments, imperfect information and inaccurate models can kill. This story, viewed from the climbers' experience rather than scientists or leaders, underscores the vitality of engaged individuals overcoming physical, social, and mental adversity to "gain altitude." At the individual level, what high altitude climbers learned can support the neonatologist's efforts for the neonate to "gain life." Three times men had climbed to more than 28,000 feet, unaided by oxygen apparatus, and failed to reach the summit.