Health issues

Medical facilities on station are limited Photo: I. Harris

Participation in Australia's Antarctic programme is dependent upon expeditioners undergoing an AAD-specific medical examination prior to successful selection.

Once selected, you should be aware of your obligation to advise the Polar Medicine Unit immediately of any illness, or injury, or significant change in your medical condition or well-being occurring prior to your departure for Antarctica.

This is important in order that provision of appropriate medical care can be ensured prior to departure, given the limited sophistication of medical care on ships and stations.

Medical care on station and on the ship is generally provided by one doctor.