Peking University, May 30, 2023: In a remarkable display of selflessness and courage, two PKUers carried out a daring rescue mission on Mount Qomolangma on May 18, 2023. 

Fan Jiangtao, an Executive MBA student at Peking University’s Guanghua School of Management, and Xie Ruxiang, an alumnus of the Geology Department (the precursor of the School of Earth and Space Sciences at PKU), were just 400 meters away from the summit of Mount Qomolangma, when they spotted someone trapped in the snow. Faced with the dilemma of pursuing their dreams and helping a person in distress, they made the commendable decision to stop and save the climber’s life. 

Fan Jiangtao (left) and Xie Ruxiang (Photo: CMG)

A few moments ago, on the night of May 18, 2023, the Hunan provincial mountaineering team, Sherpa guide and Fan Jiangtao had reached an altitude of 8,450 meters at Mount Qomolangma. Fan then spotted a climber who was lying in the snow and trembling profusely. Her right hand had turned black from the cold and her body was already curled into a ball. Fan confirmed that her descending equipment was locked, resulting in the climber being fixed onto the main rope and stripped of movement. Though her vital signs were weak, she was still conscious and informed Fan that she had run out of oxygen.

The climber who was trapped

Fan Jiangtao decided to forgo the remaining ascend and rallied his guide to rescue the climber. Despite such a high altitude, they succeeded in changing her oxygen tank, fed her supplements, massaged her limbs, performed CPR and even unlocked her descending equipment. As they carried the climber down, they were lacking in energy and resources. Fan bravely volunteered to walk down the mountain to seek further help.

He then met Xie Ruxiang and his guide, who came to rescue the climber. With joint efforts from the group, they safely arrived at the camp with the climber at 12.15 a.m. on May 19. The climber in distress recovered that day and is currently in good condition.

 Xie Ruxiang

 Fan Jiangtao

“The most difficult part of the rescue was having to give up your dream of many years,” Fan Jiangtao later shared. Yet in the face of a human life at stake, they were adamant in rescuing the climber. “For me, climbing Mount Qomolangma is a personal goal, but its value cannot be compared with that of someone’s life,” added Xie Ruxiang, who is also the co-founder of PKU Mountaineering Association.
 

*About PKU Mountaineering Association

Founded in 1989, the Association is the first student club in China with mountaineering and rock climbing as its main activities. Members can look forward to a range of activities such as training, hiking, mountaineering, rock climbing, and scientific research. The Association has not only conquered many mountains in China, but also trained a pool of outstanding mountaineers.

Well done to two PKUers for their remarkable acts of bravery and benevolence! 

Written by: Lee Xin Ying Rachel
Edited by: Wu Jiayun
Source: PKU Official Wechat (Chinese)