Discuss various hazards and risks that a mountaineer/ trekker has to face in an expedition.

The hazards and risks for a mountaineer/trekker may be:

1. Bad visibility caused by bad weather (mist, rain, snow) or darkness is a major hazard.

2. Snow and ice can make a simple path a very dangerous one, especially if there is a steep drop off near by.

3. Rock fall is a common mishap during heavy snow and rain.

4. Lightning can cause a major problem at some places.

5. Flash floods due to storm might be risky.

6. A mountaineer cannot ignore rain and wind. Rain makes the path towards upward climbing slippery and a strong wind can cause loss of balance of a mountaineer, making climbing impossible.

7. Hypothermia, that is, lowering of the body’s natural temperature to 32° C due to wet clothing and heat loss because of strong wind, can be a big hindrance. If it is not treated immediately, severe hypothermia may occur leading to fatalities. 

8. Heat exhaustion and dehydration are very common problems because of difficult physical work. 

9. Timely care should be taken by pouring water on the victim to avoid heatstroke. The patient should be urgently given cold water mixed with a small amount of salt and sugar to refresh him.