How were the injured and sick climbers going to be brought down?

• A. Sherpas would carry them down once the group reached Camp 5.
• B. Helicopters would airlift them immediately.
• C. They would descend on their own using fixed ropes.
• D. Porters would carry gear but not people.

Answer: (C)

The situation relies on using the route already prepared with fixed ropes to get people down safely. At high camps, air evacuations are often impractical or impossible because the altitude limits what helicopters can do and bad weather or thin air can make a rescue risky or unworkable. Carrying an injured climber by hand down the mountain would be very slow and dangerous, and porters typically move gear rather than people. So the plan is for the injured and sick climbers to descend themselves using fixed ropes, with teammates assisting as needed to stay safe. This controlled, step-by-step descent is the most reliable option in such conditions.