I would say that if someone thinks about climbing the highest mountains on earth (s)he should have the strength to rescue people. If (s)he is too weak (s)he must not be there. There is no difference in responsibility on sealevel or on the high mountains.

Markus Kolb, Ingolstadt, Germany

I applaud the Humanity shown by Hahn and his Sherpa
However, lets give credit where credit is due.
Canadian Meaghan Magrath 29 on her way down from summit
around 7:00 am found the young nepalese woman , gave her warmth, and her oxygen
brought her down in altitude and called for help, Meaghan struggled
to bring her to the IMG crew which had proper liquid Altitude drugs
to administer. Meaghan had the pill form and wisley chose not
give it to her in fear she would choke on it given her state.
Meaghan is a true hero along with the IMG crew.
Thank you Meaghan, you made us all proud to be Canadian.
I had the privilage of meeting Meaghan , although briefly
as I was doing the Base camp trek in April.
Meaghan is such a humble person, I'm not suprised she is not metioned
in the above article. Which is also tipically canadian

Mike Maloney, Kitchener, Canada

Reply to Tony Smith Brisbane. I dont sell the laptop because I need it when I go to Liberia, to try my bit.

Zened, London,

I think the people that passed the woman were very selfish they were only thinking of their own safety. The few people that helped her were very courageous and i think that they should be awarded, because they were brave to go back and risk their own lives!
Also the people that did not try to save her are now wishing that they did because they probably now realise their mistake of not being understanding and kind.The people that went to save her risked getting; caught in a snow storm, falling off of Mount Everest, using to much energy and oxygen by carrying her and lots of other things as well!

Dannielle Rae, Orpington, England

It was lucky that the medical team was there to provide the first class help that was needed at the time

Frances King, Asoct , UK

This is interesting as the law of the open seas is different from the law that climbers have. But as the end of the day is simply biols down to one of two things. Too help a fellow human being and to put your ego aside or be a human being and help out a fellow human?

Steve, Perth, Australia

personally, i'd rather be able to say "i saved a life" than "i climbed everest", but to say "i saved a life on everest"...
nice...

Neil M, Cambridge, USA

Check this out. http://classic.mountainzone.com/features/whittaker/forum.html

Steve, San Rafael, CA, USA

God bless 'em. As a professional emergency medical technician for many years, the first directive was to make sure that you did not endanger yourself when attempting rescue. You were supposed to get help if there was a danger. Of course, there would be no help at that place. They could have easily died for their efforts, but they instead reinforced the spirit that we can't abandon others to the fates.

I think that awards and rewards would be nice, but people don't do things like this for adulation. We are all made better by them. The lives they saved are indeed their own.

Mr. Ingle, I'm sure that you could have some t shirts printed very easily and at little cost. They could say, "Don't rescue me if I am in distress because I think you're stupid." Rescuers will probably ignore it, but there is always a chance that they will respect your wishes.

Bob Hess, Florida, US,

A low fee insurance policy would certainly be a helpful thing to require.

Tim from London makes a wonderful point. To say you climbed *most* of the way shows that you are an adventurer, and a hero as well. If your ego is so big as to desire the recognition of climbing Everest (NOT to say this is why many climb) , it would be in your self interest to do so.

And you would be small of a smaller group - people who rescued other people while climbing Mt. Everest.

Juli, Chicago, IL , USA

Reminds me of the parable of the Good Samaritan -do we still teach that anymore?

mark r palmer, lower brailes, warwickshire

Agree totally with the comments regarding unless you have been there it is too easy to pass judgement , It surely comes down to whether the climber doing the rescuing thinks they can pull it off . Must be a heart wrenching decision to leave someone behind knowing they are going to die alone and I am sure if more could be saved they would .

Dave T, Merseyside, Uk

I have read "Into thin air," and I believe the one point that was made is that at that altitude, your brain might not be functioning properly due to anoxia, lack of enough oxygen. A climber during that 1994 (if I recall correctly) season was interviewed, and stated he saw one of the climbers who died, and did not recognize that the person was in difficulty, or if that by that time was already dead, but thought he was resting.

Mark, Alpine, Texas

edwardingle, chesham, Shame on you – it is exactly this attitude that has made our country morally corrupt. Having been a member of an RAF mountain rescue team I can assure you that cost never comes in to it: otherwise they would only rescue RAF personnel. You do not know the circumstances so do not make fatuous comments.

David A Lockwood, Muscat, Oman

No one really has the right to comment on this type of thing unless they have experienced the world above 8,000 m. It is all too easy to criticize from the comfort of your home, and very unfair. Let's make the scenario a bit more familiar. After downing a few too many at the pub, you see someone in dire straights, but you are informed that if you help, there is a reasonbly good chance (oh let's say 1:3) that you will die in the process. Will all those airchair mountaineers plunge right in without a second thought? I have my doubts. Dave Hahn and many others are very strong climbers and their herioc efforts deserve to be applauded. Just know that not everyone in the same situation could have done the same.

Mark Payne, Wilmington, Del, USA

To Phadnis from Mumbai.
"Was she a sherpa or paying climber?"
She was a human being in need of another humans help.

Nick Dixon, Sutton Coldfield,

We all have choices. That's what defines our humanity. Those who walked past David Sharp made a choice; David Hahn and Phinjo made a choice. I would argue that the latter two made a choice that increases their humanity - makes them better people, and people to look up to and attempt to emulate. The 40 passers-by have to live with their consciences - that they allowed a fellow human being to die without making any effort.

It's a shame that in this broken world we cannot give David and Phinjo some sort of global award to recognise their great act of humanity. It is said, rightly, that the greatest love is that a man lay down his life for his friends; I believe that this also extends to those who are willing to sacrifice themselves for another, even if not called upon to do it.

I think these men should be lauded around the globe, and taught to our children as an example of what mankingd can aspire to.

Nix, Tunbridge Wells, UK

I was so heartened to read this story of others willing to put themselves at very serious risk to help someone else. Its good to hear of mountaineers willing to do this.

Austin Tate, Edinburgh, UK

Helping others is the essence of living as a human being. It is not a question of responsibility but rather a moral and ethical issue.

Farooq Khan, Calgary, Canada

Those who have not climbed to the summit of a mountain above 6,000m, should not sit in judgment those who have. The low oxygen makes you physically weak and clouds your judgment. It takes great effort to breathe, much less do anything of physical exertion. I start to experience altitude sickness at only 2,000m. The highest mountain that I have ever climbed was Mt. Whitney, 4,400m (Everest is 8,800m). On my first ascent of Whitney, I met a climber, at 4,000m, who was sitting on the ground completely confused. I demanded that he immediately head back downhill, which he did. When I reached 4,200m, I was sitting down looking rather poorly, when some climbers stopped to check me out. They only left me alone when I was able to assure them that I was alright, just resting for a few minutes. In my experience, climbers will always make an effort to help others, even at great risk to themselves.

When it takes all your strength to just move one step at a time, stopping for two minutes between each step to catch your breath, rescuing others is not always an option. This concept is hard to understand for those who have not experienced extreme altitude sickness. I have found that if you are not in physical condition to climb at high altitudes, you should stay home.

In conclusion: David Hahnand and Phinjo Dorje are true heroes. Usha did not know when she had reached her limitations and know when to turn back. Those who do not know their limitations, sometimes pay a serious price. This is not to judge Usha too harshly either. Even experienced climbers run into problems that they could not have foreseen.

Douglas Habersaat, Mountain View, California, USA

building an equipped rescue hut in the death zone with communication equipment and medical supplies with oxygen would negate these deaths, also perhaps the challenge. Climbers need to make a decision what they want.

Michael C Hunt, KL,

While not an expert on the subject,
perhaps the Nepalese government should provide a permanent lifesaving station at Everest base camp.
They could charge fees from the climbers and / or their guides to pay for the program.
The Nepalese make big money on charging fees for permission to climb Everest and they should try to offer some basic lifesaving capabilty.

Jim Smith, Norfolk, VA USA

First Aiders are routinely taught not to put themselves into danger in order to help others. The same dilemma applies here. Those who don't risk themselves and their team-mates in order to try - probably unsuccessfully - to save others should not be condemned. Anyone climbing a mountain does so in the full knowledge that they may very well die in the attempt. However, those who DO risk themselves in order to save others should be specially congratulated and revered as the bravest and best among people. I cannot imagine the decision to pass by a dying person would be taken lightly.

Kate, Cambridgeshire, UK

HATS off to David Hahn, Thank you God for giving the world HEROS like Hahn. Our world is filled with enough pain that when we see Miralces like Hahn rescuing people on Mt. Everest it confirms to many of us that MIRACLES HAPPEN EVERY DAY.

jerry mccullough, St.Catharines, CANADA

Thank goodness there is still a moral code amongst some climbers. Passing by on the other side is becoming synonymous in our society, whether it is in the street or on a mountain. These guys should be rewarded for their efforts.

Judi, Poole, Dorset

The difference is that David Hahn has summitted Everest something like 9 times ... so he knows what he is doing up there.

Most of the people who passed David Sharp only ever planned to be anywhere near the Everest summit once.

The RAF boys never have any problems doing rescues. It gives them a chance to do their stuff for real rather than just manouvres.

Jose A., Madrid.,

Climbing is a dangerous activity, whether rock climbing or mountaineering. Each individual who undertakes a risky sport has to accept responsibility for his/herself and not depend on others to rescue them. Having said that, I have participated in rescues of rock climbers and would do whatever I could to help in a mountaineering event. But I will not give my life to rescue someone else.
Cold hard fact, I know. I do not expect anyone else to give his or her life to rescue me either.
I accept the dangers, I accept the risks. So should we all.

Gail Vaughn, Atlanta, GA, USA

In response to the edwardingle.

1. People do not expect others to rescue them. It is accepted that if you are up a mountain that you may die. You would certainly not expect anyone else to help you - it would be **likely** to lead to not one but two deaths. The fact it has not in this instance is a tribute to the experience and ability of those involved.

2. About the expense of rescuing climbers from Ben Nevis - are you aware how much the BMC and climbers generally contribute to rescue teams/helicopters, etc? Are you aware of how many individuals give their free time unpaid by anyone to perform mountain rescue?

I presume not, as you are speaking from a position of ignorance.

I also presume that if you tripped and fell down some stairs and broke your back (your own fault) you would refund in full the costs of the ambulance, the time of paramedics, cost of hospital treatment, physiotherapy, etc?

No?

John, Leeds, W Yorkshire

zened from london - how many starving children in Liberia could be saved if you sold your computer?

tony smith, Brisbane, Australia

"But to put things in perspective, if I were Usha I would asked people to leave so they continue and not risk their lives." - Sankar, Duabi, U.A.E

Yeah, right.

Pete, Cov,

edwardingle asks: Why should I pay for the RAF or whoever to resue someone from Ben Nevis or wherever?

Well, the RAF mountain rescue teams exist to rescue aircrew from crashed aircraft. That is why they were set up in the first place in 1943. Any rescue of a climber or walker is good training for them, & they are out on exercise every week anyway. The same case can be made for the use of the Sea King helicopters of 22 &/or 202 Squadrons.
The members of the MRTs receive no extra pay for their MR work.

Frank Card
Author: Whensoever - 50 Years of the RAF Mountain Rescue Service (The Ernest Press 1993)

Frank Card, Cressing, Braintree, UK

"There's nothing we can do" is a very strong and absolute statement. Those who say it when the cost is someon else's life must be ready to prove their point conclusively. Life trumps all other values. Those who dismiss the value of life in favor of their own money or ego-driven goals demonstrate that they are captive an evil nature.

Bill Dodson, Yorba Linda, CA/USA

Fully agree with Pierre's comments ! ! It is a sad fact the the world's press seem to focus on the negative and this, in turn, has fuelled a desire, so it would seem, from the public to read such depressing stories. It's about time we heard read stories of people like David and Phinjo, and I think the comments re. an International Award for Bravery are very well made.

Superb story; very uplifting :-)

Simon J. Pearson, Harrogate, North Yorkshire

As an experienced mountaineer I would not endorse claims that those in trouble on the mountain should expect others to assist. All those climbing these particular mountains are made aware of the dangers and to put other lives at risk, especially ones own, is foolhardy to say the least. In the case in question, the local government who sanction these expeditions are aware that the 'shoestring' operations are getting more and more as the cost of mounting a proficiently organised expeditions becomes greater therefore it is really something that that can be controlled by those in charge to a greater extent than it is at the present time. I suspect that someone somewhere is 'earning' from the decision to allow underfunded parties to climb to the summit of Everest and a local investigation, something I feel sure has been tried in the past but should be pursued as more lives are put at risk. It seems not what you know but who you know in order to get a permit to attempt to reach the summit.

Derek Clifton, Andover, Hampshire, England

Saving a life means reaching a peak much higher then any earthly mountain. I wonder if those who ignore a dying person to reach the summit mention that fact when they crow about their achievement.

Nite Owl, Calgary, Canada

i join in the admiration for the rescuers in this case. WELL DONE to all concerned!!

BUT it is important to realize, not everyone, and perhaps only a few exceptionally talented ones, could manage an effective rescue in these circumstances. one must possess the necessary strength and skill. each climber MUST be realistic about his abilities and his condition to undertake a difficult and demanding rescue.

it's really very simple: you must know your limits and stay within them to survive. it does the person needing rescue no good if you exceed your limits and thereby die in the attempt. indeed, choosing to initiate a rescue which exceeds your ability may lead others who are possibly more fit, to perceive an adequate rescue effort is already being undertaken.

in short, risking your own life to rescue another is indeed admirable, esp when successful, but it is most unfair to criticize a climber for knowing and staying within his own safety limits.

eternalom, Bellingham, WA, USA

I believe Jim from Encino, Ca has caught the try jist of this dilemma. Kudos and more go to these two climbers who, I'm sure, assessed and determined within themselves that they had energy and a sense of responsibility enough to bring this woman down.

Others, within similar situations may have determined that they did not have the energy (hence substantially increasing the risk for survival to rescuers and victim, not just one) to save someone.

Let's not condemn adventurers for our perceptions that they may be reckless - we need these charactered people to push the boundaries of achievement to better know what we can all achieve. However, I do believe we should, as one, applaud the efforts of David Hahn and Phinjo in raising our senses of responsibility to others within our society.

Chris, Toronto, Canada

I wonder how many starving children in Liberia could be saved with the money spent on climbing mountains?

zened, london, england

It isn't possible to fault a person for making the decision to leave someone, any more than a person should be considered at fault for not jumping into a fast flowing river to save someone. If you can't see how you can do something, or you're just too weak yourself, then that's the way it is. Obviously the people who chose to save this woman could see a way to do it that the others couldn't.

But having said that, it's still foolhardy to make such a climb unprepared. I hope that when this woman recovers she'll be deeply grateful and somewhat ashamed.

No adult is another adult's responsibility when they've delberately put themselves in harm's way.

jack Lee, austin, tx

Our Mountain Rescue teams in the UK are all volunteers. They risk their lives regularly to help people off our mountains and the only times they begrudge the call outs are when daft people get "tired" and expect a helicopter lift home (this happens often in Cumbria) or people set off to climb a mountain unprepared (no map, no food, no waterproofs, no proper shoes).

I do agree with Paddy in Cork - you have to take some responsibility yourself to make sure you are properly equipped for what you set out to try to do. But even if you don't - that doesn't mean you forfeit the chance to be rescued. When the Mountain rescue arrive and find that you broke your ankle because you tried to climb Sca Fell Pike in flip flops - they don't push off home and leave you (even if they feel like it).

We should celebrate more the people who take time out to help others - in whatever capacity. Do as you would be done by I say - you never know when it could be you who needs saving!

Lucy, Newcastle, UK

If you 'need' to reach the summit so badly you ignore any chance of saving a fellow human being, you are beneath contempt

Lester Wilson, Harrow,

Some good points raised, and I suspect that what Jim in Encino, CA, says is exactly right. The practicalities of the kind of extreme conditions that most of us have never experienced must be paramount. For some with less experience, such a rescue attempt may have been tantamount to suicide.

Nevertheless, it's nice to know that humankind still produces people like Mr. Hahn, who can be relied upon to give his best shot when the chips are well and truly down. He has the spirit of Shackleton in him.

Paul Jones, Luton, UK

Well done David Hahn, and shame on those who ignore others in need. These selfish individuals should realise that anyone who is so close to the limit of their physical ability that they think they have no strength left to offer others is just a small accident away from needing the help they deny others. I wonder how their outlook would change were their luck to fail them.

toby, Munich, Germany

Really upliftting. Congrats to the real heros and congrats to you for highlighting this

rahul, amsterdam,

Edwardingle, Cheshire. Why should anybody pay their taxes to save your house from a fire or your car from a thief? The RAF have to train on a regular basis anyway, the costs involved in a rescue are minimal. As for cave rescue and mountain rescue, they are all manned by volunteers and paid for out of donations. However, if you could give me a few more details of where you live and what you look like, I will gladly walk on the other side of the street if I see you in trouble, unless, of course, you have the means to pay me for assisting you.

David Leslie, Perth, Scotland

I'm glad we have a few heroes left, but mountain climbers, in general, are leaving an ugly legacy for the honorable ones to have to deal with. My view of them is ruined forever. I grew up thinking them to be "adventurers", but now the selfish, greedy, "me first" attitude that has manifested itself to the world makes me wish they would all just go away.

Charles, Lubbock,

The issue is, unfortunately both money and risk. There is a financial de-motivational force stopping you from helping i.e. you have paid a lot of money to climb the mountain and in helping someone else you are going to miss your chance; also you have the fact that in helping that other person you may well be also putting your self at risk.

What need to be instigated is an international charity body that's charter is "good deeds on the mountain" who's monies go to refinancing peoples climbs that stop to help people in need/distress. If you help someone who is in need or distress the charity will finance your retry at the summit.

Craig, Brisbane, Australia, Queensland

Seems to me that there are too many UNQUALIFIED climbers attempting to scale that mountain. Too many "climbers" around who bragging rights above all else. They should limit the number of people climbing Everest, but they won't. When people don't save others from death, our spirits die. Those climbers who walked past those suffering...they are dead inside themselves. I have no patience for their talk or for them or their stupid stories.

Deek, Calgary, Canada

Other rescue climers are Casey Grom and Mike Haugen of Coleman expedition from Ohio US

Alex, CHATTANOOGA, TN USA

We are take partin extreme sports, sailing, SCUBA, flying where we "believe" that help would be there for us, as we would provide help for others.

Why should climbing be so different? Yes it's extreme but really let's get our heads together to ensure those that do climb Everest have some "Emergency" lightweight kit to help others in case of emergencies, or at least make their suffereing easier if nothing can be done.

Thank god these people are delireous when their fellow climbers walk past them.

Heath Samples, Radcliffe on Trent, , UK

What an uplifting story of compassion and bravery, and I echo the sentiments of Mat in France.

Thank goodness that Usha was found by these two gallant men and not by someone like edwardingle of chesham who would have passed her by.

Jim, Llanelli, Wales

Alex in Woking,

If you've just read 'Into Thin Air' you should read Anatoli Boukreev's account 'The Climb'. Not as well written and a bit tit for tat but gives another view.

Jamie, Birmingham, West Mids

Whatever is the point of living if one forfeits one's humanity? All for the privilege of saying , "I climbed Everest"? Granted people do stupid things and make stupid choices; but how can you be sure that that stranded stranger isn't an experienced climber who is the victim of some bad luck? Even the most experienced climbers know that anything can happen on a mountain. Should you find yourself in a similar situation, how would you feel seeing 40 climbers pass you by without an offer of help? Sure, you climbed Mt. Everest...but in the name of God can look at yourself in the mirror?

Andrea D. Mead, New York, NY

What a specious argument to witter on about "ethical questions"!!! If one "passes by on the other side" (as happened with David Sharp) then you are a brazen coward. If we see another creature in pain, danger or suffering then it is our duty to assist; anything else makes us fall short of being truly human.

If one is not prepared to act in such a way, then what the hell are you doing up Mount Everest??? Does anyone these days remember that "SOS" means "Save Our Souls"? Clearly, we all have a moral responsibility to help one another and no attempt at some sort of legal pre-climb "pro forma" will prevent heroes doing what comes naturally to them.

Yes, if I had got myself on a sticky wicket through my own foolishness, I would urge others to leave me and save themselves. God bless you and good luck to you, David Hahn and Phinjo Dorje for risking your all to be good Samaritans. To reiterate the quote from Terence Bannon, "Those who said there was nothing they could do are lying

Jill Aslan, Hextable, Kent

How about ALL climbers having to pay an annual fee into an insurance policy or climbers club, it's sole purpose to provide funding for rescues.
As a kayaker, I belong to the BCU, surely there should be a climbing body that can foot the bill for such extreme rescues and not be a burden to the tax payer.

James, London,

"If people put themselves at risk in this way, or potholing or whatever, why do they expect others to put thtemselves at risk to rescue them?"

Because climbers are a community and you help people out in a community if they need help, Duh.

"Also, what about the expense to the public purse? Why should I pay for the RAF or whoever to resue someone from Ben Nevis or wherever?"

I agree, people such as cigarette smokers and heavy drinkers should not be allowed access to the NHS because they clearly know that they are voluntarily damaging their health and that the taxpayer will have to pick up the bill. Also, boats taht get into troulbe for whatever reason shouldn't rely on the Coast Guard to bail them out. Not.

Patrick, Dublin, Ireland

edwardingle - does that mean we shouldn't have ambulances for people hurt in car crashes - they put themselves at risk by getting in the car?

Richard, Fordingbridge,

What kind of person must one be, to value someone else's life at less than the few pennies one might keep in one's pocket by cutting taxes that pay for a trip by a rescue helicopter? “Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement." That last sentence applies also to those who say, "They endanger themselves. Leave them to die."

Arthur Morgan, Fayetteville, Arkansas

People do make the choice to climb themselves and there is an arguement that others should not endanger themselves to assist.

However, it is not a humane action. I think you would struggle to find a normal human being who wouldn't take more satisfaction out of saying that they climbed up most of Everest and saved a life than having to say they climbed to the top while leaving someone to die.

While we can all probably see the logic we also all know that people like Hahn have done the right thing and will sleep easy in life.

When climbing you are risking your own life, I'd like to think that I'd chose to risk it saving another than risking it reaching the summit at the expense of another.

Why should climbers behave differently from yachtsmen?

Tim, London,

Was that woman, a Nepalese woman, a paying climber or a sherpa?

Phadnis, Mumbai, India

Nothing but respect and admiration for David Hahn and Phinjo Dorje for their outstanding efforts...

... but on the issue of mountaineering ethics - some of these climbers are putting themselves into seriously dangerous and life-threatening positions without the proper equipment and/or training - some of these people simply should not be anywhere beyond base camp on Everest and when they find themselves dying on the mountainside they are putting other people's lives at risk also. It is the barebones expeditions that charge clients typically as little as £4,500 and provides them with only basic equipment that are at fault. That is not to say that an effort shouldn't be made to save climbers in trouble but each climber who faces such diversity must know the dangers they are facing - expecially if climbing solo.

Paddy, Cork, Ireland

If people put themselves at risk in this way, or potholing or whatever, why do they expect others to put thtemselves at risk to rescue them?

Also, what about the expense to the public purse? Why should I pay for the RAF or whoever to resue someone from Ben Nevis or wherever?

edwardingle, chesham,

Surely a case for a VC or Knighthood if I ever heard one. THese two chaps should be honoured at the highest level possible - we insist on haivng an honours system in this country, lets use it to recognise those who made a difference.

Bravo. I only hope I could show the same courage and compassion in a similar situation.

Dave, London,

Mr Hahn and Phinjo Dorje showed how life should be lived - by not assuming that their lives were more valuable than that of somebody in serious difficulty.
If you can help somebody in difficulty, you should. Anything else is moral cowardice and abdication of responsibility. A simple lesson, but an unforgiving one.
Hats off Mr Hahn and Phinjo Dorje for having the bottle to do the right thing.
I'll get off my soapbox now, too.

Mat, Mulhouse, France

This is in response to Sankar's statement "if I were Usha I would asked people to leave so they continue and not risk their lives". Sankar, since Usha was suffering from severe cerebral oedema, semiconscious and 'virtually unresponsive' (in Mr Hahn's words), I don't think she would have had the cognitive function to respond, let alone make the little speech you scripted !! I think you should read carefully before you criticise brave climbers like Usha from the comfort of your home.

sandeep, birmingham, UK

Let us see less of the Race and more of the Human. The achievement and the memory on Everest will be of acts like this.

But turning Everest into a fun climb for the untalented with a few £ or $ should be seriously looked at. Compulsory insurance cover would allow the rescuers to recover their costs.

jj, Cambridgeshire, UK

What a great story - when I have read of other stories where the injured were left to die by other climbers I could not understand it - ( I admit I am quite ignorant of what is really involved in climbs of this nature) - but as a human being I can't imagine many people could walk by and leave a fellow human being to die. Would you not be haunted by the guilt for the rest of your life? You would have to try and rescue them as these brave men have done - Thank You David Hahn & Phinjo Dorje and the others involved in this rescue - hope Usha makes a full recovery.

Jocelyn Burke , Middleton Tyas , England

I can truly understand why someone would want to climb Everest. Reaching the summit must be one of the greatest achievements in the world. However, saving the life of a fellow human being must surely be the greatest achievement ever.

I certainly do not comprehend how 40 climbers passed by David Sharp without even attempting to save him. I appreciate the incredibly harsh conditions that these altitudes present but it is surely our duty to at least try and save a dying person, even if failure appears guaranteed.

Well done to David Hahn and Phinjo Dorje. What an amazing and heroic act.

Steve, Bexleyheath, Kent / UK

I've just read "Into Thin Air", an awful tale well told about exactly this situation. I suggest anyone with an interest in this story gets a copy to read. I'm just glad to hear that in this situation there were individuals prepared to risk themselves for others. Well done guys.

Alex, Woking, UK

A genuinely heart warming story following.

It seems to me Everest must be cluttered by bodies these days and whilst it might be a big operation to move those already dead, I cannot fathom how you could leave someone still alive.

I wonder if perhaps the towel is thrown in too quickly, and dare I say it? It adds to the experience if your team "loses" a member in such a way. If a two man team can rescue this woman, why couldn't her professional and paid team do it for her?

Alexandra, Cologne,

Pierre , Lantau, Hong Kong has said it all: there is no justification in leaving someone behind to possibly die. If one has the strength to carry on and by so doing leave a fellow climber to die: that is morally indefensible.
There is only one option in a situation like this and that is, that if one puts ones self at risk by staying to give assistance, then go down for help.

David A Lockwood, Muscat, Oman

A really uplifting story - thanks for putting this on the front page. All too often we focus on the negatives ...

Well done David and Phinjo - you are two real Heros and the stuff of legend.

This story should be made into a film so that all can learn from this

Mark, Guildford,

Thank god , there are people like David Hahn and Phinjo still around. What point is scaling a mountain if you can pass by a person dyeing.

But to put things in perspective, if I were Usha I would asked people to leave so they continue and not risk their lives.

Thanks David , Phinjo Darje.

N.Sankar

Sankar, Duabi, U.A.E

Bravo David Hahn. There should be some form of international recognition for selfless acts of bravery like this. There are too few acts of real heroism to act as moral benchmarks for youngsters these days. We should be lauding people like this much more loudly, rather than the over-paid footballers, actors and 'celebs'.
Sure, the latter are probably exceptional in their chosen field, but we will not learn many lessons of bravery, moral fortitude or selflessness from these pampered individuals. They may enable us to escape the real world for a few hours at a time, but it is in the real world, the world in which Mr Hahn lives ( and the rest of us for that matter), that the lessons are to be learned.
Off my soap box now.
Bravo again David Hahn! Tick, VG, gold star!!

Pierre , Lantau, Homg Kong

'Greater love hath no man than this, that he should give his life for a friend'. Have we forgotten?

Brian Lewis, Manila, Philippines

There is no right answer to the ethical question posed here. Each person has to deal with his/her own decision, but no one can say what anyone else should have done. It's a place where kindness can mean death for both the giver and the receiver. A man like Hahn with nine summits to his name has options and confidence that other people may not be able to muster. It is not a moral question it is a practical one. And no matter how an episode turns out, there is such a huge component of luck, no one can say they knew it would turn out that way if so-and-so only did such-and-such.

Jim Houghton, Encino, CA, USA

Great, Great , Great . thank you mr. Hahn

jerry mccullough, St.Catharines, CANADA

Apparently there is no morality above 25 000ft.

Sebastian Lobo Neto, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil