Four former military friends are attempting to summit Mount Everest in just a week, a feat that typically takes six to eight weeks. Their plan involves using xenon gas, which they believe could enhance oxygen efficiency and minimize the risk of severe ailments during the climb. While this approach is certainly innovative, experts have raised concerns regarding its safety, as xenon is an anesthetic that has been banned by WADA.
Lukas Furtenbach, CEO of Furtenbach Adventures, explains the need to acclimatize the body to low oxygen levels before attempting such a climb. He notes that xenon could serve as an anesthetic, but he emphasizes the importance of getting used to high altitudes through a series of rotations in the mountains.
The process involves ascending and descending several times to allow the body to adjust. Once acclimated, climbers can effectively boost their red blood cell production, which aids in oxygen transportation, increasing their chances of reaching the summit.
The group will be traveling from the UK to Kathmandu, followed by a helicopter ride directly to Everest’s base camp. If they succeed, it would mark the first time anyone has summited the mountain in such a short timeframe.
Furtenbach elaborates on how xenon affects the body’s production of EPO, which promotes the creation of red blood cells. This reaction closely mimics what happens during proper altitude acclimatization. His primary goal with this method is to facilitate a quick summit while also lessening the risks posed by adverse weather, avalanches, or illness.
However, the UIAA has issued warnings about using xenon unsupervised, citing dangers like respiratory issues and even potential fatality. It’s important to treat xenon as a drug, especially since WADA banned its use in 2014.
Team member Al Kearns has expressed his awareness of the associated risks, reassuring that he and his companions—Garth Miller, Kevin Godlington, and Anthony Stajicker—are equipped to handle them, given their military backgrounds. Kearns articulated their unique training, which focuses on carefully balancing risk while enhancing their abilities by a small margin to combat altitude-related ailments.
