Instruments |
Telescope Schedule |
Observing Information |
The W. M. Keck Observatory is located near the summit of Mauna Kea at 13,600
feet elevation, where the atmosphere has only 60 percent of the oxygen found
at sea level and about 10 percent of the moisture, and where the average temperature
is about 32 degrees Fahrenheit / 0 degrees Celsius.
The human body reacts to high altitude in a variety of ways. Individuals
who are pregnant, have a head cold or suffer from cardio-pulmonary disease should
not attempt to work at or visit the summit. SCUBA divers should not
go to Mauna Kea (Hale Pohaku altitude) within less than 24 hours of diving.
This can lead to the bends (decompression sickness / nitrogen narcosis). If
you have made repetitive or deep dives or are in any doubt, you should extend
this interval to at least 48 hours.
One of the body's reactions to high altitude is water dumping to allow the blood
to carry more oxygen. Frequent urination is a symptom of this process. Failure
to replace lost body fluids can lead to dehydration, severe headaches, and hypothermia.
High altitude dilation of the brain's blood vessels, combined with dehydration,
can lead to a headache as severe as a migraine. Obser-vatory workers sometimes
take aspirin or acetaminophen before departing Hale Pohaku for the summit to
help avoid headaches.
Individual responses to altitude can vary greatly. No one is immune
from the effects or the potential dangers. To lessen the risk of high-altitude
health hazards, be in good health, dress warmly, drink lots of fluids, avoid
alcohol and drugs, and pace yourself.
It's important to acclimatize at least a 1/2 hour (1 to 1 ½ hours
for first timers) at the Hale Pohaku facility or the Visitor Information Station
(9,200 foot/2,800 m level) before going to the summit.
Do not go solo to the summit. You may not always recognize
the symptoms of altitude sickness in yourself. If you feel the onset of any
unusual feeling or symptom, let someone know immediately.
If you notice someone who appears to be suffering from some unusual feeling
or symptom, ask how he or she feels.
HIGH ALTITUTE SICKNESS
Major Emergency |
Steps to Take | |
Major Symptoms Severe Unrelenting Sudden Headaches Shortness of Breath (at rest) Chest Pain Abdominal Pain |
Major Signs Slurred Speech Visual Disturbance Loss of Coordination Paralysis Seizures Collapse Slow or Rapid Heart Beat Labored Breathing Cough with Blood Tinged Sputum Unrelenting Nausea or Vomiting |
Evacuation: Follow the Mauna Kea Emergency Procedures Examine the victim Call 911 with the following information: * Your Location * Describe how the accident / illness occured * Indicate the urgency needed for treatment * Describe the weather conditions * Establish the primary meeting place (Saddle Road Junction) * Describe the vehicle used to transport the victim |
Minor Emergency Minor Symptoms |
Steps to Take | |
Mild Shortness of Breath Dizziness Light Headedness Headaches Visual Change Palpitations Chest Tighness Nausea |
. | Rest Administer Emergency Oxygen (fixed flow type) Descend to Lower Altitue (Hale Pohaku) Inform Rangers If symptoms persist, proceed to a Medical Center Emergency Room |
For detailed information that can be printed, click on word "printed"
For more information please visit this site: Malama Mauna Kea