Prince Harry

Prince Harry

Prince Harry's South Pole trek has claimed its first medical casualty after a team guide was pulled out of camp overnight due to health fears.

Eric Philips, Polar Guide for Team Soldier On, aka Team Australia and Canada or Team Commonwealth, was found to have fluid on his lungs after experiencing altitude and breathing problems and had to be closely assessed by Dr. Dan Roiz de Sa.

A post on the Walking With The Wounded website read: "Eric had been suffering throughout the day with the altitude and breathing problems. Dr. Dan Roiz de Sa's immediate assessment at their overnight camp found that Eric had fluid on his lungs, which, if left untreated, could be very dangerous."

Despite the set-back, the walkers remain hopeful experienced adventurer Eric - who has been to the South Pole more than a dozen times - will be able to continue on the 208-mile expedition.

The post added: "He should, however, make a full recovery and hopes to re-join his team on Day 4.

He will be closely monitored by Dr Dan Roiz de Sa who continues to make sure that all the team members' health is not compromised throughout the race."

Prior to the start of the expedition, Eric admitted he had been experiencing breathing problems.

He said: "It's the first time I've had this experience and I'm really super short of breath. I'm battling to get air into my lungs and blood circulating around my system and my hands are cold all the time.

"I don't know what it is. I've got no idea, maybe it's just getting used to the food and the altitude. I don't suffer very well at altitude anyway, maybe I just need a day or two."


by for www.femalefirst.co.uk
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