IX. Assistance Facilities
Section IX details the facilities available for rendering assistance in Antarctica, including medical, transport services and emergency shelters.
McMurdo Station
Medical Facilities
During the winter-over period there is a four-bed medical and dental facility with 1 doctor, 1 Physician Assistant, and a Physical Therapist. These personnel are augmented with up to 12 Emergency Medical Technicians assigned to the Fire Department. During the summer this facility is staffed with 2 civilian Physicians, 1 ANG Physician, 1 PhysiciansÂ’ Assistant or Nurse Practitioner, 1 Dentist, 1 Radiographic Technician, 1 Laboratory Technician, 1 Physical Therapist, 1Physical Therapist Assistant and 2 Nurses. These personnel are augmented with up to 40 Emergency Medical Technicians assigned to the Fire Department. There is limited x-ray and medical lab capability on station. Telemedicine capabilities are available with specialist consultation services through the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Texas.
Transport Services
From October to mid-December, airlift from McMurdo to Christchurch via C-141 and C-130 aircraft is available. From mid-December to mid-February, airlift by LC-130 and C-141 aircraft is available. Transport via surface may be available (see Section II for dates available).
Available Shelter
Over 90 covered structures are available at McMurdo Station.
Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station
Medical Facilities
One civilian doctor and one Physician Assistant are on-station at South Pole year round. There is limited x-ray and medical lab capability on station. Telemedicine capabilities are available with specialist consultation services through the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Texas, hours subject to satellite availability.
Transport Services
LC-130 aircraft are available only on-call from McMurdo Station from November to mid-February.
Available Shelter
South Pole Station consists of three buildings under a geodesic dome adjoined and connected to a series of four arches also containing buildings, and two wings of a newly constructed elevated station. (Conditional occupancy has been issued for a third wing.) From November through mid-February additional buildings and tent structures are available.
Palmer Station
Medical Facilities
One civilian doctor is assigned to Palmer Station year round. There is limited x-ray and medical lab capability on station. Telemedicine capabilities are available with specialist consultation services through the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston Texas.
Transport Services
The R/V Laurence M. Gould is the primary means of transport to and from Palmer Station. In extreme circumstances, Twin Otter landings are possible on the glacier behind the station.
Available Shelter
Two buildings comprise the available shelter at Palmer Station.
Marble Point Camp
Medical Facilities
None
Transport Services
Helicopter support from McMurdo Station is available (weather dependent).
Available Shelter
Three structures comprise Marble Point Camp with two structures for berthing up to six persons, and one that houses a generator and workshop.