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Deadly Ascent
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Program Overview
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NOVA
follows a team of climbers ascending Denali to try to solve the mystery of why
extreme cold and high altitude can kill.
The program:
outlines the expedition's mission to monitor team members' physiological
states as they trek to the mountain's peak, the highest in North America. points out that each climber ingests a radio thermometer pill that
continuously logs core body temperature. reviews the environmental conditions on Denali, one of the coldest
mountains on Earth. relates an experiment that details what happens to core body temperature
when a climber rests after a vigorous climb. describes illnesses that can affect mountain climbers, including
hypothermia, hyperthermia, Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), and High Altitude
Pulmonary Edema (HAPE). notes the results of one altitude study that revealed that the use of
ginkgo reduced symptoms of AMS. chronicles several rescue attempts undertaken to aid climbers in danger
on the mountain. relates how oxygen saturation levels are affected during a mountain climb
and the problems that can occur when the levels get too low. follows the team's progress as team members attempt to summit the
mountain. notes that scientists are coming closer to understanding the limits of
survival in extremely cold, high-altitude environments.
Taping Rights: Can be used up to one year after the program is taped off the air.
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