The Oxygen Supply Chain

The Climb

This flow traces the procurement and rationing of oxygen, from commercial negotiations through summit-day shortages and rescue consequences.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Searching for Lighter Cylinders

Searching for Lighter Cylinders Equipment Choice Scott Fischer wants lightweight oxygen cylinders to reduce the load his clients must carry. Supply Negotiations Anatoli Boukreev approaches Poisk in Russia, but Henry Todd has secured an exclusive arrangement that complicates the purchase.

A Divided Order A Divided Order from "The Climb". A Divided Order Compromise Mountain Madness buys lighter Poisk cylinders and heavier alternatives through Henry Todd after negotiations over supply and price.

A Divided Order from "The Climb". A Divided Order Compromise Mountain Madness buys lighter Poisk cylinders and heavier alternatives through Henry Todd after negotiations over supply and price.

A Divided Order Compromise Mountain Madness buys lighter Poisk cylinders and heavier alternatives through Henry Todd after negotiations over supply and price. Delayed Delivery The arrangement does not prevent transport problems, leaving the team uncertain whether the oxygen will reach Nepal on time.

Consumption Before the Summit

Consumption Before the Summit Reserve Erodes Some climbers use oxygen at lower elevations or while sleeping, and Ngawang Topche Sherpa’s emergency care draws on the supply. Narrowing Options The planned surplus shrinks, leaving less flexibility for a delayed summit bid or a second attempt.

A Fragile Summit Plan A Fragile Summit Plan from "The Climb". A Fragile Summit Plan Calculated Duration The expedition expects two cylinders to cover the ascent to the summit and a third to support the descent.

A Fragile Summit Plan from "The Climb". A Fragile Summit Plan Calculated Duration The expedition expects two cylinders to cover the ascent to the summit and a third to support the descent.

A Fragile Summit Plan Calculated Duration The expedition expects two cylinders to cover the ascent to the summit and a third to support the descent. Minimal Margin The clients carry little reserve, making delays, high flow rates, and missing caches potentially decisive.

Empty Bottles in the Storm Empty Bottles in the Storm from "The Climb". Empty Bottles in the Storm Exhaustion Several climbers run low or out of oxygen after the delayed ascent and long descent.

Empty Bottles in the Storm from "The Climb". Empty Bottles in the Storm Exhaustion Several climbers run low or out of oxygen after the delayed ascent and long descent.

Empty Bottles in the Storm Exhaustion Several climbers run low or out of oxygen after the delayed ascent and long descent. Rescue Constraint Boukreev searches for spare cylinders, but the expected reserve is difficult to locate and other rescuers are unable or unwilling to go out.

late 1995 in Kathmandu

January–February 1996

April 1996 at Base Camp and higher camps

night of May 9–10, 1996

May 10–11, 1996