Ideas worth spreading

Medical miracle on Everest

884,888 views |

Ken Kamler |

TEDMED 2009

• October 2009

The second deadliest day in the history of Mount Everest climbs happened in 1996 -- and Ken Kamler was the only doctor on the mountain that day. He shares the incredible story of the climbers' battle to save lives in extreme conditions, and uses brain imaging technology to map the medical miracle of one man who survived roughly 36 hours buried in the snow.

The second deadliest day in the history of Mount Everest climbs happened in 1996 -- and Ken Kamler was the only doctor on the mountain that day. He shares the incredible story of the climbers' battle to save lives in extreme conditions, and uses brain imaging technology to map the medical miracle of one man who survived roughly 36 hours buried in the snow.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

About the speaker

Ken Kamler

Adventure physician

See speaker profile

Ken Kamler has served as doctor on some of the world’s most daring expeditions, but also performs delicate microsurgery when at home in New York.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.