A hyperbaric oxygen chamber at Mount Qomolangma Base Camp has been a lifesaver for tourists suffering from acute mountain sickness during the National Day holiday.

A tourist struck by severe altitude sickness was swiftly treated in the chamber on October 3, according to a technology company that China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) has invested in. Within 30 minutes, the tourist's blood oxygen saturation soared from a perilous 44 percent to a healthy 97 percent, while his heart rate settled at 107 beats per minute.

According to the operator of the chamber, as reported by Chongqing-based media outlet Shangyou News, the chamber, launched in July, saw an influx of 20 to 30 tourists daily during the holiday, almost reaching its full capacity.

Developed by the CSCEC, this state-of-the-art facility was showcased at the 2023 Western China International Fair. It features integrated systems for air compression, drying, filtering, and pressure stabilization, as well as an automatic control system to regulate atmospheric pressure, oxygen levels, temperature and humidity. By simulating lowland conditions, the chamber offers a comfortable refuge for those affected by altitude sickness.

"Blood oxygen saturation typically increases from around 50 percent to 80-90 percent within 15 to 30 minutes in the chamber," a representative told Shangyou News. "Tourists can alleviate altitude sickness symptoms significantly within half an hour."

On October 5, a visitor noted on social media, "No more worries about altitude sickness at Qomolangma Base Camp, thanks to the new pressurized oxygen chamber. The mountaineering environment is truly improving." The post, accompanied by an image of the chamber and its slogan "two minutes from plateau to plain," has piqued travelers' curiosity.

Qomolangma Base Camp, situated 19 kilometers from Mount Qomolangma in Tingri County of Xigaze City in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, is the highest point accessible to ordinary tourists and a starting point for climbers and researchers. The camp's air contains only about 48 percent of the oxygen found at sea level.