Medical support for the Antarctic expeditions

The article continues the series of publications devoted to the contribution of the Military Medical Academy to the study and development of the Antarctic. The purpose of the article is to reveal the organization of medical care and the role of representatives of the Academy in implementing the primary mission of the doctor of the Antarctic expedition – the prevention of morbidity in winterers and maintaining their working capacity at a high level. Based on materials published by doctors who visited Antarctica, questions on medical selection of expedition personnel, requirements for qualifications and personal characteristics of doctors are outlined, their functions are listed, and the range of professional duties is showed. Attention is paid to equipping the stations with medical equipment and medicines. The key problems and difficulties faced by polar doctors are characterized. The practice of introducing elements of telemedicine in Antarctica is highlighted, data on the statistics of morbidity and mortality among members of Antarctic expeditions are given. The conclusion is made about the full professional compliance of military doctors – representatives of the Academy with the high requirements for the participants of Antarctic expeditions, competent and decisive behavior in extreme situations, the significance of their contribution to maintaining the efficiency of winterers, the importance of their role in the expedition’s implementation’s tasks, and the responsible performance of their official duty.