Four climbers were rescued this week from Mount Rainier, and their experience illustrates one risk of climbing in spring and summer. They became stranded after encountering high winds on their trek, according to the National Park Service. Dr. Andrew Luks, a critical-care physician at Harborview Medical Center, explains the kinds of injuries he's seen and how to improve chances of survival if you are awaiting rescue. 

People risk developing one of three forms of altitude illness at elevations of 8,000 feet or higher for an extended period, he says. That usually occurs when people ascend too high, too quickly in terms of where they spend the night.