What this solves

At altitude, vague symptoms ("I just feel off") are the hardest to act on. You need a structured way to score what's happening and a rule for what to do next. This tool applies the Lake Louise AMS Self-Report Score (LLSS) — the same criteria used by trekking clinics and mountain rescue — and pushes the output into a binary act verdict, not just a number.

Score your symptoms now

1. Headache

0

2. GI (nausea / appetite)

0

3. Fatigue / weakness

0

4. Dizziness / lightheaded

0

Red flags (auto-evacuate if any)

Loss of balance / ataxia (cannot walk heel-toe in a straight line) Confusion, slurred speech, or altered behaviour Wet cough with frothy / pink sputum at rest Severe breathlessness at rest or when lying flat Persistent vomiting — cannot keep fluids down > 4 h Decreasing consciousness / cannot stay awake

Current altitude (m)

Sleep altitude last night (m)

How to read the result

WAIT — Symptoms are mild and stable. Stay at current altitude, hydrate, rest one day, re-score. Do not ascend until score drops.

DESCEND — Moderate AMS or score trending up. Do not sleep higher tonight. Descend ≥ 500 m and re-score at lower camp.

EVACUATE — Any red flag, score ≥ 6, or symptom worsening despite descent. Activate emergency plan. Call 110/119 or Daocheng Hospital 0836-572-3999.

Limitations

FAQ

Q: I scored 4 — can I take Diamox and keep going?
A: Diamox (acetazolamide) is a useful acclimatisation aid, but it is not a substitute for descent at score ≥ 3 with headache + GI symptoms. Use the medication and descend — do not use it to push higher.

Q: What if my partner scores 2 but insists they are fine?
A: At altitude, denial is a symptom. Anyone with headache + at least one other category scoring ≥ 1 should descend. Discuss, don't override.

Q: Is this the same as the Yading Park Office check?
A: No. The Park Office does a basic pulse-oximeter check at the entrance gate. They cannot diagnose AMS; they can refuse entry to obvious HAPE/HACE.