Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
there is very little fresh water and the impact of
fire on the station could easily
render everyone homeless.
Programmes differ, but most require everyone who travels to the Ice to
complete an Antarctic Field Training course, which may begin in the home
country but then be followed by practical training immediately after arriving in
Antarctica. For most scientists and short-term visitors, such as the media, these
courses might last 1 or 2 days and cover the basics of survival in the extreme
environment with practice in
first aid, construction of emergency shelters and
cooking and camping outdoors. For staff staying longer in Antarctica, though,
the
field training is typically more intense and for those on search and rescue teams,
an even more detailed programme is followed. Whilst safety records around the
continent are impressive (there are fewer than 10
field incidents per year, ranging
from the most minor to major crevasse rescues), the search and rescue teams
must be prepared for the possibility of catastrophic disasters.
The challenges of working in Antarctica have not gone away, although
experience, planning, good training and modern technology have lessened the
risks for most people. There are still the problems inherent in living and working in
small communities, and in winter the rest of the world does seem a very long way
over the horizon, despite the email and telephone connections. Working there
will always be an experience for the few rather than the many.
Through all the complexity of life in Antarctica runs the spirit of international
cooperation. Having a human presence there is costly and fraught with risk.
However, it is through the collaboration of national programmes that the principles
of peace and science, central to the Antarctic Treaty, can be realised. Perhaps it is
the example Antarctica presents to the world that means the experience of the
place stays with those who have been there long after they are gone.
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